Most of us know what it's like to feel blue, to wake up in the morning and wish we could just pull the covers over our heads and stay there for the day. But what happens when a day turns into a week, and a week turns into months, and still it isn't any easier to get up? If this happens to you, you might very well be one of the estimated 78% of students who display symptoms of depression in any given year (Beck & Young, 1978).

Depression, the so-called 'common cold' of mental health, is relatively common, with Aware, the national depression support group, estimating that about 400,000 people in Ireland are currently grappling with the condition. So if you think that you, or someone you know, might be suffering with depression, there's absolutely no shame in standing up and asking for some help.

How would I know if I had depression?

Depression is a pervasive illness; it can affect almost every part of your life, from the way you sleep to the way you act around your friends. If you notice a difference in your ability to function, and experience at least five of the symptoms below for at least a couple of weeks, then you should speak to someone about depression.

• Feeling sad or blue
• A loss of interest in your favourite activities
• Tired all the time, and having problems sleeping
• A lack of energy and motivation
• An inability to concentrate, and becoming forgetful
• Change in appetite or weight
• A lot of aches pains, headaches, constipation, problems with your period
• Feeling anxious
• Feeling numb
• Thinking about hurting yourself, or maybe even killing yourself
• Experiencing delusions or hallucinations

What causes depression?

Unfortunately, there's no one obvious cause of depression, and different things can make different people depressed. A life-altering event can often precede depression, something like suffering a bereavement, or going through an extremely stressful time. Depression can occur when a person suffers a medical problem, and can even be related to your family history (depression cam run in families) and background.

Can I do anything to avoid depression?

There is no absolutely fool-proof way to guard yourself against depression, and you obviously can't avoid all the stressful events that are a part of everyone's life. But there are things you can do to look after your mental health...

• Learn how to cope more effectively with stress (see our leaflet, 'Managing Stress', for more information)
• Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of depression (see above), and be sure to talk to your doctor or a counsellor should you feel yourself becoming depressed, especially if there's a history of depression in your family
• Make plenty of time for friends – feeling isolated socially can lead to depression
• Stay away from drugs, and avoid excessive alcohol intake – there seems to be a correlation between depression and substance abuse
• Look after your physical health – people suffering with medical conditions often experience depression too, and certain medications can lead to depression. If you do develop a physical illness, be sure to ask your doctor about any medicine he or she prescribes.

What should I do if I think I am depressed?

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above for more than two weeks, the it would be wise to contact your own GP, or make an appointment at your Student Health Centre. You shouldn't try to diagnose or treat depression by yourself – these symptoms could be caused by something else, so be sure to get yourself checked out by a professional.

If you are diagnosed with depression, please don't worry – there are effective steps your doctor tell you about to help you feel better. Antidepressants can lift your mood, though they do take a number of weeks to start working, so don't despair if you don't feel better immediately. Counselling involves talking about your feelings and exploring why you feel so low, and can be very effective also. Contact the DIT Counselling Service or the Chaplaincy (see the directory below for contact information). Or simply drop into your local SU office, and we will help you find the help you need.

Other contact information

• Aware 72 Lower Leeson Street Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 661 7211 Helpline: 1890 303 302 www.aware.ie
• Samaritans 112 Marlborough Street Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 872 7700 24 Hour Service: 1850 60 90 90 jo@samaritans.org www.samaritans.org.uk
• Mental Health Ireland Mensana House 6 Adelaide Street Dun Laoighre Co Dublin Tel: (01) 284 1166 information@mentalhealthireland.ie www.mentalhealthireland.ie