Student Support Centre

Please note : All the material below has been provided by the World Health Organisation as part of its 2017 campaign ‘Depression: Let’s talk”

• Depression: What you should know
• Living with someone with depression?
• Worried about the future? Preventing depression during your teens and twenties
• Do you know someone who may be considering suicide?
• Do you feel like life is not worth living?

What is depression ?

• Depression is an illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks.
• In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following: a loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• Something that can happen to anybody.
• Not a sign of weakness.
• Treatable, with talking therapies or antidepressant medication or a combination of these

What you can do if you think you are depressed ?

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Most people feel better after talking to someone who cares about them.
• Seek professional help. Your local health-care worker or doctor is a good place to start.
• Remember that with the right help, you can get better.
• Keep up with activities that you used to enjoy when you were well.
• Stay connected. Keep in contact with family and friends.
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk.
• Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits.
• Accept that you might have depression and adjust your expectations. You may not be able to accomplish as much as you do usually.
• Avoid or restrict alcohol intake and refrain from using illicit drugs; they can worsen depression.
• If you feel suicidal, contact someone for help immediately.

Remember: Depression can be treated. If you think you have depression, seek help.