Tartan

Issue date: 2/17/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Lateef Ogunjobi

One of the reasons depression is hard to cure is due to the fact that depression is often treated as if it were result of the sufferer's faults, not as a disease or disorder. Many sufferers feel lonely, alienated, and hopeless. There are certain levels of guilt, denial, anger, resentment, and fear before they seek (if they do) assistance. The real question may not only be why there are so many people, but also what can be done to help cope with depression?

Like every problem, admittance is the first step. Never be afraid to accept help. Ask yourself these questions: What are your major issues? What is your safety level? Do you pose a threat to yourself or others? When and where do you feel safe? If someone you know is battling depression, remember to be considerate, patient and empathetic with the sufferer. Treat someone with depression like you would treat someone who has broken his or her leg. A sufferer of depression is bound to be restricted, have less energy, and needs time to heal, just like recovering from an injury.

When looking for professional help, ask questions. It is never rude to ask potential therapists about their backgrounds, methods of treatment, costs, education, etc. More importantly, ask yourself these two major questions: Do I feel comfortable talking to this person and can I be completely honest with them? The same applies to therapists at counseling centers on college campuses. Sadly, only 10% of college students receive help on campus, according the American College Health Association (ACHA). Students struggling with depression must remember that counseling centers on campus are there for their benefit. Visiting the nearest counseling center and being aware of what is available to you is key to battling depression.

Besides therapy, remember those around you that you value and trust the most. Whether it is friends and/or family, keep your closest confidants in mind when in need of help. There is a certain rule that applies to choosing those you can turn to when in need; when you call for help, keep in mind who will ask "why?" Then remember those who will jump into their cars and drive to your aid, no questions asked. If you have a friend or family member suffering from depression, just the fact that you are willing to be there for them is a good way to help the sufferer heal.

Whether teenagers admit to it or not, parents play a key role in their lives and could potentially play a key role in the healing process. It is the nature of parenting to want to solve the problems of children, but instead it prevents them from the opportunity from learning how to solve their own problems. What parents can do is listen, give their voice, and agree or disagree. Relating, but not preaching, past experiences will help teens and young adults understand their problems better. Like the AA expression says, "Take the cotton out of your ears, and stick into your mouth." This is key to active listening, which is something parents should abide to help their children.

Depression not only affects the sufferer, but also those around them as well. Although it may feel there is not much you can do, there are things that can be done to help:
1.) For one thing, don't be provocative. Everyone has their buttons, annoyances and peeves, so let it go, especially during their state of depression.
2.) Even the small things count. Whether the sufferer seems appreciative or not, what you did for them matters.
3.) Be ready because depression has no time limits. If the sufferer is suicidal, then get them immediate help. However, if it is just temporary moodiness, leave them alone if that is their desire or listen when they need to be heard.
4.) Read between the lines and go with your gut feeling. If the sufferer says they are fine, and you know they are not, get them help. There is a reason you feel uneasy and have a gut feeling, so don't be afraid to use it.
5.) Educate yourself. The more you learn about the condition or disorder, the better of you and the suffer will be. This is beneficial for the healing process and for your own mental health.

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