A counselor may talk with the depressed student to offer support, insight, conflict resolution, and referral for medication when appropriate. However, some students may need additional help, support, and clarification as they deal with these issues, and they may exhibit symptoms of a more serious depression. Not uncommonly they may sleep more than is customary, though other changes in sleep patterns may be evident. In more serious cases, people also experience various degrees of hopelessness, sometimes leading to thoughts of suicide. When that down mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression.
Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person.
In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures. Many factors set the stage for depression. Among the most important are personal background, coping strategies, and biological vulnerability, including possible genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, or other serious physical problems. The most common immediate cause of depression is the loss of personal worth and self-esteem. In some cases, several causes may be tightly intertwined creating a downward spiral.