Depression

Everybody feels down from time to time. But, depression involves those feelings that won’t go away. These feelings become intense and start to affect your daily life. If this goes on for two weeks or longer, it could be depression.

Know that depression can happen to anyone! It affects millions of people, both male and female. It affects all ages, ethnic groups, all backgrounds.

No one knows what the exact causes of depression are, but it is more than a mood—it is a mental illness!  In the research that has been done, depression could be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It has been known to run in families. It can be triggered by a major life change or a major life loss.

Unfortunately, depression can lead to major problems in your life. It can affect physical health that includes every body system and many functions of the brain. It can impact your ability to think and reason, which can then affect personal and other social relationships, school and work, self-esteem, and future plans.

But there is GOOD NEWS! Depression can be treated! Talk with your primary care physician or schedule an appointment with a mental health counselor in your community. All currently enrolled students can contact CSM Counseling Services at 301-934-7577 or e-mail counselor@csmd.edu.