Depression is a common disorder affecting approximately 25% of women and 12% of men at some point in their lifetimes. It is believed that over 11 million Americans are affected. Depression is one of the most common disorders diagnosed by health care providers, yet it is believed that only about 1/3 of those suffering from depression seek professional help.

Because depression is a medical illness that affects the mind, brain, and body there are a broad range of physical and emotional symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• fatigue and sleeping too much or too little
• chronic stomach problems or headaches
• increase or decrease in appetite
• decreased interest in sex
• trouble concentrating
• memory impairment
• irritability
• tearfulness
• anxiety or apprehension
• excessive guilty feelings
• feeling unworthy, overly self-critical or hopeless
• feeling an impulse to harm oneself

A diagnosis of depression is made if some of the above symptoms have been present for more than 2 weeks.

In addition to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, a number of factors can contribute to depression including stress, family history or previous depressive episodes, and chronic illness. An evaluation by a health care professional is useful to determine causes of depression and the benefits of medication and/or counseling. Even if medication is prescribed, counseling or psychotherapy is almost always recommended to speed recovery and prevent recurrence of depression.

If you are suffering from symptoms you think might be caused by depression, please make an appointment to see a provider at UW Student Health Service, 766-2130, or at UW Counseling Center, 766-2187.