If you are wondering if you may be experiencing depression take a moment to review the following list. If you are experiencing several of the following symptoms and they are significant enough to impair your ability to function you may be suffering from depression:

• Persistent feelings of sadness
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Significant weight loss or gain (5%)
• A change in sleep patterns
• Lack of energy nearly everyday
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Poor concentration
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
•Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
If you are suffering from symptoms on this list you are not alone. Every year, an estimated 44 million Americans experience a mental disorder. In fact, mental illnesses are among the most common conditions affecting health today. Some 10 million Americans and more than 100 million people worldwide will experience clinical depression this year. If you are thinking “this kind of thing doesn’t happen to college students” you are wrong. The likelihood of a college student suffering depression has doubled since 1988.
The good news is depression is a treatable illness. If you think you may be suffering from depression you should seek professional help from a mental health worker (counselor, social worker, or psychologist). If you need help finding one contact the Counseling Department at 313-845-9612 or Student Outreach and Support at 313-845-9629.
The Student Outreach and Support plans to host a speaker in April. She will address the problem of depression.
Watch the Henry Ford Community College website for the exact date and time. It will be listed under “Events.” Plan to attend and bring a fellow student.