SHC Main Depression by Alice Keck, LISW, Therapist UNM Student Health Center Counseling and Therapy Services Depression is a common illness that can affect anyone. Depression is a disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings, physical health and behaviors. It can be caused by certain life conditions such as extreme stress, grief, family history and genetics, general medical illnesses, certain medications, or drugs and alcohol. Acute depressive symptoms will persist every day for at least two weeks. A depression can last up to a year or more.
Depression is a treatable illness.
Left untreated it can impair a student's functioning in academics, social relationships and work. Most people who are treated feel better and return to normal functioning within a few weeks. Early treatment may help to keep the depression from becoming more severe or chronic. Alice Keck is a native New Mexican from Las Vegas. She has her Master's degree from Highlands University and is licensed as a clinical, independent social worker.