Show Gesundheit esuna eit f. f r By Debra Dunn Health and Wellness Services In German Gennan Gesundheit means good health Health and Wellness Services believes that good health comes when we have balance in the five areas of health Social Physical Intellectual Emotional and Spiritual The goal for writing this weekly bi-weekly column is to explore student health issues that result when we neglect one or more areas of health Ve We want to let students know ways to improve their health and to introduce them to services on 2 campus that can help them be a at t- t successful student This week our focus is Emotional health Depression is isa a a common medical condition for college students An estimated 17 10 million Americans of the population suffers from l 4 depression and other affective disorders every year i Everyone experiences variations in mood It is normal to have the blues that accompany ny disappointments or the loss of someone that you love When these feelings persist for a prolonged period of time orin- orin with your ability to function function function tion it is an illness I- I r Research shows that depression most likely results from a mixture of biochemical imbalances in the brain family traits emotional issues and other factors like medical ill ill ill- ness In the winter lack of natural natural natural natu natu- ral sunlight called Seasonal Affective Disorder can cause depression in some people Major life changes that accompany college life can also put a student at risk for developing develop develop- ing depression Choosing a career leaving home relationship relationship relationship relation relation- ship changes death and divorce are a few changes that can affect a persons person's mood mind behaviors behaviors behaviors and health Although not everyone reacts the same way to depression here are some general signs and symptoms to look for in yourself yourself yourself your your- self and others Inability to experience pleas pleas- ure Changes in sleeping patters either sleeping too much or too little problems concentrating or making decisions Fatigue or loss of energy Poor appetite with weight loss or overeating and weight gain gam Loss of interest in things such as social activities hobbies and sex Thoughts of suicide or death If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms there is help Treatment can include medication counseling or other therapies Salt Lake Community College has counselors and medical personnel that are trained to diagnose and treat depression Please contact Health and Wellness Services to make an appointment Visits are free for students staff and faculty Exposure to bright lights can be helpful for seasonal season season- al depression Activities such as exercise attending sports or cultural cultural cultural cul cul- cul- cul tural events or participating in service activities can help you feel better It is important to avoid alcohol and nonprescription non tion drugs Self-medicating Self can make you feel better for a time however the high will fade and in the end it can intensify intensify intensify the depression To combat the blues of winter the PEN club is planning an winter anti-winter Beach Party on Thursday January from 10 am to 2 pm Come and participate participate participate pate in the activities Wear beach attire and get a free drink i A |