Where Do I Go for Help?
Campus Health Centers
In college, help is never far away. When you decide that it's time to ask for help with your symptoms, drop by your Health Center or give them a call. Most colleges and universities employ several therapists/counselors and psychiatrists, so you'll have no trouble setting up an appointment.
On your first visit, your psychiatrist will most likely give you a self-report questionnaire to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. Questionnaires evaluate symptoms such as loss of interest, weight gain or loss, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms indicative of the DSM-IV's diagnosis of depression. Here are some sample questions (7):
1 I am more self-blaming than usual.
2 I largely believe that I cause problems for others.
3 I think almost constantly about major and minor defects in myself.
1 I feel sad less than half the time.
2 I feel sad more than half the time.
3 I feel sad almost all of the time.
Every psychiatrist works differently, and each individual responds differently to certain types of therapy and medication. Often, a combination of the two is most effective, but depending on the severity of your symptoms you may not be given medication at all. After having talked to you for a while and getting a sense of what you're like, your psychiatrist will have a better idea of what type of treatment you'll need. Then, you'll be set up with a more regular therapist. On some campuses, the first few therapy sessions are free! However, campus-based therapists are often very busy and may not be able to see you more than once a week. If you feel you need more support, your Health Center can help you find a local therapist who can see you more often.
Often, finding the right therapist is a process of trial and error. Each therapist has a different style, and it takes time to build an open and trusting relationship with your therapist. Therapy is not a quick process, but it will help you get to the root of your problems and understand where your depression came from.
On your first visit, your psychiatrist will most likely give you a self-report questionnaire to evaluate the severity of your symptoms. Questionnaires evaluate symptoms such as loss of interest, weight gain or loss, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms indicative of the DSM-IV's diagnosis of depression. Here are some sample questions (7):
- View of Myself:
1 I am more self-blaming than usual.
2 I largely believe that I cause problems for others.
3 I think almost constantly about major and minor defects in myself.
- Feeling Sad:
1 I feel sad less than half the time.
2 I feel sad more than half the time.
3 I feel sad almost all of the time.
Every psychiatrist works differently, and each individual responds differently to certain types of therapy and medication. Often, a combination of the two is most effective, but depending on the severity of your symptoms you may not be given medication at all. After having talked to you for a while and getting a sense of what you're like, your psychiatrist will have a better idea of what type of treatment you'll need. Then, you'll be set up with a more regular therapist. On some campuses, the first few therapy sessions are free! However, campus-based therapists are often very busy and may not be able to see you more than once a week. If you feel you need more support, your Health Center can help you find a local therapist who can see you more often.
Often, finding the right therapist is a process of trial and error. Each therapist has a different style, and it takes time to build an open and trusting relationship with your therapist. Therapy is not a quick process, but it will help you get to the root of your problems and understand where your depression came from.
Support Groups on Campus
Each campus will be different, but most schools will have at least one student-run club or support group for depression. One large non-profit movement is To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA), and they have chapters in many colleges and universities.
Click here to see if your school has a chapter.
Another support group for depression (and psychological disorders in general) is Active Minds: they can be found on campuses across the country.
Click here to see if your school has a chapter.
Click here to see if your school has a chapter.
Another support group for depression (and psychological disorders in general) is Active Minds: they can be found on campuses across the country.
Click here to see if your school has a chapter.