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Straight Talk about Depression and Anxiety

In 21^st Century America, depression and anxiety are not a stigma, they are a simple fact of life.

Q1: Which of these factors increase or decrease your probability of becoming depressed or overly anxious?

· Being human

· Being in America

· Being in your 20’s

· Being a student

· Being in a high-performance university

· Difficult life events

· Academic difficulties

· Being sleep deprived

· Eating junk food

· Socializing with friends

· Exercising

· Alcohol

Take care of yourself.

Q2: Which of the following activities has been scientifically demonstrated to be effective in reducing or eliminating depression and anxiety?

· Taking a deep breath and “hanging in there”

· Trying harder to solve your problems

· Waiting until the end of the semester

· Exercise

· Psychotherapy

· Anti-depressant/anti-anxiety prescription drugs

You are not alone. There are many helpful resources available on campus and an important part of the college experience is learning how to ask for help. Asking for support sooner rather than later is often helpful.

If you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) is here to help: call 412-268-2922 and visit their website at http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Consider reaching out to a friend, faculty or family member you trust for help getting connected to the support that can help.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or in danger of self-harm, call someone immediately, day or night:

CaPS: 412-268-2922

Re:solve Crisis Network: 888-796-8226

If the situation is life threatening, call the police:

           On campus: CMU Police: 412-268-6232

           Off campus: 911

If you have questions about this or your coursework, please let me know. You can simply follow me to my office after any lecture.

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