Depression
Information from students Against Depression
Perhaps you have noticed that a friend, family member or fellow student is stressed or anxious, even suicidal?
Depression is more common than you might think, affecting one in ten of us in any one year. If you recognise the signs in yourself or someone else, there are clear steps you can take right now to help. Depression affects everyone in different ways, but trends to look out for in your mates include:
Perhaps you have noticed that a friend, family member or fellow student is stressed or anxious, even suicidal?
Depression is more common than you might think, affecting one in ten of us in any one year. If you recognise the signs in yourself or someone else, there are clear steps you can take right now to help. Depression affects everyone in different ways, but trends to look out for in your mates include:
- A persistently sad, anxious or generally low mood.
- A loss of interest in life and activities.
- Decreased energy, struggling to complete daily tasks.
- Irregular sleeping patterns – sleeping little, excessively, or without routine.
- Increased tearfulness and feelings of worthlessness.
- Poor concentration.
How to support a friend
Be clear about your limits.
Before you step into a situation, be realistic with yourself and know your own limits. There are many ways in which you can aid a friend but depression is still best dealt with by a professional. Don’t take on more than you can handle but offer practical, ongoing social contact and connection, which provides an important buffer against depression.
Encourage professional help.
There are lots of options for professional help to choose from as suits your friends’ preferences, including the university health centre, local GP surgery or counselling service.
Communicate your concern.
Isolation and lack of support are key factors in depression. Letting the person know you are worried could be a key first step in breaking that isolation. Don’t be surprised if their initial response is abrupt or rejecting, persevere in showing you care.
Check suicidal thoughts.
If you are at all concerned about this, don’t be afraid to ask the person directly. Contrary to popular belief, this is unlikely to ‘put ideas in their head’ but may well instead offer them the relief of being allowed to talk about a taboo subject. See our support directory for services that you can contact if you are worries about a friend’s safety.
Be clear about your limits.
Before you step into a situation, be realistic with yourself and know your own limits. There are many ways in which you can aid a friend but depression is still best dealt with by a professional. Don’t take on more than you can handle but offer practical, ongoing social contact and connection, which provides an important buffer against depression.
Encourage professional help.
There are lots of options for professional help to choose from as suits your friends’ preferences, including the university health centre, local GP surgery or counselling service.
Communicate your concern.
Isolation and lack of support are key factors in depression. Letting the person know you are worried could be a key first step in breaking that isolation. Don’t be surprised if their initial response is abrupt or rejecting, persevere in showing you care.
Check suicidal thoughts.
If you are at all concerned about this, don’t be afraid to ask the person directly. Contrary to popular belief, this is unlikely to ‘put ideas in their head’ but may well instead offer them the relief of being allowed to talk about a taboo subject. See our support directory for services that you can contact if you are worries about a friend’s safety.
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