Malik Mingo

October is National Depression Awareness month, and Texas State offers many resources for students who may have questions or concerns. Malik Mingo has more in this Bobcat Update.

Halloween and crisp air are not the only things notable this time of year. October is also National Depression Awareness month. The idea is to encourage people to learn more about the illness and to become aware that recovery is possible. Blanca Sanchez-Navarro is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Assistant Director for Outreach at the Counseling Center at Texas State University. She says that it's important to know that only professionals can diagnose major depressive disorders.
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Some common symptoms of depression include loss of appetite, hopelessness, and anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure in something that you used to feel pleasure from. Sanchez-Navarro says that having your family and friends support you is great, but if the feelings get out of their control, you need to seek professional help. She says there are many misconceptions about depression. A clear-cut diagnosis is sometimes difficult to attain.
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Almost 75 percent of depression cases affect people who are 22 years old or younger. In college--with personal demands such as academics and work -- it can be tough to juggle every thing. Arlene Cornejo is a Health Promotions Specialist and strives every day to educate individuals about public health. Cornejo says college can help students learn some habits that develop good mental health.
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SU: Whether you are spending too many nights at the library or you are just missing home, Texas State offers many resources to students who may be suffering from depression. Whether it's making an appointment at the Counseling Center or attending an event on campus, you just have to find which one, works best for you. For Bobcat Update, I'm Malik Mingo.