Depression Resources

MSU CARE Program

Resources for Faculty, Staff and Parents

*All linked information from the Reaching Out Handbook: Resources for Responding to Students in Distress used with permission from Boise State University's Health Services.

 THE DEPRESSED STUDENT

Depression is part of a natural emotional and physical response to life's ups and downs.  With the busy and demanding life of a college student, it is safe to assume most students will experience periods of situational depression.  A student needs assistance when the depressive symptoms become extreme or last so long that they begin interfering with the student's ability to function in school, work, or social environments.

Since faculty and staff are in a position to observe and interact with students, they are often the first to recognize a student in distress. Look for a pattern of these indicators:

• tearfulness or excessive emotions inappropriate to the situation
• markedly diminished performance
• infrequent class attendance
• increased anxiety (generalized, test, or performance)
• irritability
• deterioration in personal hygiene
• significant weight gain or loss
• lack of energy or motivation
• alcohol or drug use

Students experiencing mild depression often respond well to additional attention over a short period of time.  Prompt intervention increases the student's chances of returning to earlier performance levels. Do not attempt to provide in-depth counseling.