Counseling & Psychological Services

When feelings of sadness, numbness, or lack of motivation persist for more than a few weeks, then you could be depressed. Depression is not self-pity, laziness, or lack of willpower. It is caused by a combination of factors, which can range from difficulty adjusting to life stressors to lack of support and relationship changes, as well as pre-existing biological factors. The good news is that it is treatable and help is available.

Signs of Depression:

• Sadness or emotional numbness
• Lack of motivation
• Sleep disturbance (either sleeping too much, restlessness, or an inability to sleep at night)
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Problems with concentration
• Loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities
• Crying/tearfulness
• Changes in appetite – eating more or less than usual
• Pessimistic thinking and negativity
• Chronic physical problems (aches, fatigue, headaches, etc.)
• Suicidal thinking
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feeling overwhelmed and unable to function effectively

Things You Can Do:

• Get active - exercise, take a walk. Sometimes just moving can change your state of mind.
• Don't keep it to yourself - reach out to friends, family, mentors, and trusted others.
• If you are feeling that nothing matters, it can help to talk back to these thoughts. Remind yourself of times when you did not feel this way, and remember what you would have said or thought during these times.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed, start by writing down everything you have to do, and prioritize. Keeping up with your obligations can keep the overwhelming feelings at bay. Falling behind can add to your depression.
• If you are prescribed medication, be regular in taking it and give it time to take effect.
• If you are in counseling for depression, give this time also. It takes time to work through problems that are not readily apparent.

• Give yourself permission to take care of yourself and do those things you enjoy.

Help is Available:

It may benefit you to talk to someone at the Counseling Center. Stop by during our Initial Consultation hours Monday-Friday 8:30-11:00 a.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m., or call (828) 262-3180. We can talk with you about your concerns. You may also learn more by checking our other links, or completing an online screening.

Crisis Services:

If you or another AppState student is experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts or experiencing trauma in regard to a sexual assault, you may contact us after hours by calling the Counseling Center at (828) 262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on call.