Campus
counseling available for students suffering
from depression
By Allison Baldwin
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), depression– when
a person feels sad for more than a few weeks–is a serious condition that
affects 3 to 4 million people. Cal State Long Beach offers help to those who
need it through both the Student Health Center and Counseling and Psychological
Services (CAPS).
CAPS offers a variety of treatments—including cognitive therapy, couples
counseling, and group therapy—and staffs eight full-time psychologists,
three interns in the final stages of their training, and masters-level psychology
students from local schools.
Those seeking help will first meet with an intake counselor who listens to incoming
patients’ concerns and discusses treatment options. CAPS is free to students
and will give referrals to those who want to seek outside help.
While all people of all races have an equal chance of becoming depressed, the
HHS estimates there are twice as many women afflicted as men.
Some symptoms of
depression are tearfulness, low energy, low motivation, feelings of guilt or
shame, inexplicable feelings of having something wrong with oneself, and thoughts
about suicide.
Freshman mathematics student Ashley Allen said, “It feels like no one cares
if you are there or if you were even around.”
Cal State Long Beach staff psychologist Judy Prince said depression can occur
at any time and that it is possible to feel depressed even when everything is
going well.
“
[Depression] is an equal opportunity problem. It can affect anyone at any time
in life,” Prince said.
Some people may have a genetic predisposition toward being depressed while others
experience episodes that are caused by their environment, Prince said. Two common
triggers on campus are difficult break-ups and the transition from high school
to college.
Some ways a person can help fend off depression are developing healthy relationships,
exercising, getting sufficient sleep, following a healthy diet and not abusing
drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, taking preventative measures does not always
guarantee a life free of depression.
For those who find themselves feeling depressed, there are many options. Some
students find using a creative outlet to express their feelings is effective.
Sophomore nutrition student Jessica Wellman said, “Whenever I am down I
write poems. They all rhyme, and I am proud of it.”
Others find the people around them make a big difference.
“
In the dorms, a simple smile really helps,” said senior biochemistry and
chemistry student Darren McNeil.
Cal State Long Beach’s second annual Depression Awareness Day will take
place Oct. 25. The event’s purpose is to reduce the shame attached with
depression and show students what options are available to them.
CAPS will have tables with information on depression set up in the University
Student Union and in the Psychology Quad.
There will be a speaker from the Depression
and Bipolar
Alliance, a film (“The Truth about Suicide”), a group discussion,
and a depression management workshop.
“
It seems to me that there is no need to suffer,” Prince said. “There
is help available.”
Counseling and Psychological Services can be reached by calling (562) 985-4001.
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