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Psychological Counseling Resources
Signs of Depression
While only a professional counselor can make a diagnosis, someone may be suffering from a severe depression if several of the following behaviors occur for an extended period of time (more than three weeks):
- Very low mood (sadness, crying, feeling of hopelessness)
- Inability to concentrate
- Expressions of low self-esteem ("I can't do anything right. I'm worthless.")
- Loss of energy
- Change in usual sleeping or eating patterns
- Physical events (headaches, diarrhea, menstrual changes, etc.)
- Suicidal thoughts and expressions: If someone has a plan to commit suicide, the situation is even more serious.
The Graduate Center staff can help you identify resources for you or for a friend.
Psychological Counseling Center
Students who are on the Brandeis health insurance plan may receive professional assistance for personal or emotional problems at the Psychological Counseling Center. Those who wish such help may refer themselves directly to the Center.
Almost everyone will feel sad or depressed sometime during the academic year. Sometimes the reason for depression is specific and easy to identify — a relationship fails, there is a death or divorce in the family. But other times it is harder to identify why someone is feeling no energy, or unable to get motivated or has a feeling of emptiness or sadness that is difficult to explain to others.
Usually with the support of friends, colleagues or family — some really good listeners — these feelings pass in a week or two.
But sometimes these feelings don't go away and seem to get worse. A small percentage of people will go through a severe or clinical depression, which seems to follow a distinctive pattern.
When these feelings appear to have no precipitating reasons (recent loss for example) or can't be shaken — even temporarily — or if they seem to be getting worse, it is time to talk to someone about what is going on.
At Brandeis, students can talk with a Psychological Counseling Center psychologist, who helps them to figure out new ways of handling a situation or provides them with special support during a difficult time. Call x63730 to make an appointment.