Depression and depression
Being depressed, sad or down is something that everyone is at times in life. This can be due to stress, conflicts, grief or illness, for example. Sometimes there is no explanation.
If you feel depressed for most of your waking hours and it lasts longer than two weeks, you may be suffering from depression. In addition to depression, common symptoms of depression are: fatigue, difficulty sleeping, reduced sex drive, lack of energy, desire and joy to do things you usually enjoy and that everyday life feels meaningless. You may also experience low self-esteem, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, irritation or anger, physical discomfort and/or thoughts of taking your life. Treatment for depression can be advice and support, psychotherapy and/or medication. It is important not to wait too long to seek help.
There are things you can do yourself to feel better:
- Exercise, physical activity helps against depression and depression.
- Socialize and talk to people you like, even if you don't feel like it.
- Be outdoors and make sure you get daylight.
- Try to get enough sleep and have a good sleep environment.
- Eat at regular times.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs and quit nicotine.
- Find ways to take it easy and relax. For example, being in nature, listening to music or reading a book.
- Do things that you usually enjoy even if you don't feel like it right now.
If you have depression, it is important that you seek help through your health center. If you have thoughts of taking your life, you should seek help immediately, via an emergency psychiatric clinic. If you or someone close to you has serious thoughts about taking their own life, you should call 112.
Contact information for the psychiatric emergency department in Östersund
Contact information for the psychiatric emergency room Sundsvall
If you want to talk to someone about depression/depression or anything else you are wondering about, contact us at the Student Health Service. We're here for you.