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Opinion

Be aware of depression signs and causes

Cheycara Latimer 
Opinion Columnist

During high school, on top of all the homework, students are usually involved in almost every organization and sport, as well as possibly having a part time job to pay for a car and insurance. 

To some, that may seem as if high school students are doing, or attempting to do, too many things at once. There are only 24 hours in a day and frankly there just isn't enough time to do so many things.

However, those same high school students have a desire to obtain a higher education. 

Some enroll in universities such as the University of Houston and University of Texas, while others go to trade schools such as ITT Tech and UTI that are specially geared toward their desired careers. 

Along with high school students, college and masters' program graduates wish to continue their education. The same principle can also be applied to older students who are attending college for the first time or those who are going back after a short break or even many years. All of this is admirable and very impressive on the part of all types and levels of students.

However, for some, college can be a culture shock, especially during the first semester. Imagine having two exams in one day plus a six to seven page research paper and a major project due in the same week. 

Whether the person is a new or well-seasoned student, having that many assignments in one week would stress anyone out, especially if he or she were working while going to college. 

All this being said, we, especially as students, need to pay closer attention to our health, especially our mental health. 

According to an article on Austin's KEYE-TV Web site, depression is becoming a growing crisis among college students. That makes sense, seeing as we endure so much stress.

However, this stress isn't just caused by going to college. Our stress could stem from our jobs, families and relationships. Everything and anything could be a factor in what causes our feelings of depression.

We saw an extreme manifestation of this last Monday during what is being considered the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. That is not to say that everyone will reach that point, but that doesn't mean that we should remain unaware of the symptoms and triggers.

Regardless of the causes of one's depression, it's the getting better that is important. It is making yourself aware of what is going on in your mind and body that will ultimately save your life. 

That is why it is important to maintain awareness and recognition of major depression symptoms.

According the National Institute of Mental Health, such symptoms include, but are not limited to, sadness or anxiety, appetite and weight changes (either loss or gain), irritability or excessive crying and thoughts of death or suicide.

Some causes of depression include greater academic demands, changes in social life, low self-esteem or the feeling of not being "good enough" and financial responsibilities.

The Institute also mentioned that some depressed persons, especially teenagers, have problems with drugs and alcohol because they feel it'll help them "drown their sorrows." 

Of course, sometimes problems with drugs and/or alcohol come before the depression and they are the reason why a person becomes depressed in the first place. 

Confiding in someone, such as a friend, school psychologist (the UH Counseling and Psychological Services), church person or minister, can often be very helpful to someone who is depressed.

If one doesn't have a person to talk with, there are always other alternatives to coping with depression. 

For example, if one is a writer or an artist, he or she can write poetry or short stories, compose a song or instrumental piece, or use other paint textures to create something he or she has never attempted before. 

One could also go to the museum, sing, listen to music, read a book (of course that isn't required for class), watch a movie alone or with friends, or exercise. Whatever it is that constructively allows that person to "escape," he or she should try it -- it is important to have good mental health. 

We all have feelings of depression every now and then. Things are going to get us down; it is a simple fact of life and there is no way around it. 

No one ever said life would be easy, and it certainly isn't going to get easier. But knowing the signs and triggers of depression can help at-risk college students cope with these difficulties.

Latimer, a creative writing post-baccalaureate student, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu