When someone is feeling sad, it doesn’t always mean that they are depressed. When someone is sad, has a lack of motivation, isn’t functioning in their daily routine, or has any of the other symptoms, for at least 2 weeks or more, they might be experiencing a depressive episode. Depression can often be described as “feeling like you’re suffocating while watching others breathe” or “only seeing the world in gray or black while other see the world in color.” Depression along with every other mental health disorder is a hard disorder to cope with alone. Confiding in others and having a social support around you can make a big difference in your recovery.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder all experience the following symptoms²:

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism

Irritability

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

Decreased energy or fatigue

Moving or talking more slowly

Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight changes

Thoughts of death or suite, or suicide attempts

Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear
physical cause and/or that do not ease even treatment

What if I am feeling suicidal?
If you or anyone you know are feeling suicidal, please dial 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone over the phone, you can also visit their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/ and utilize their “chat with lifeline” function.

Local Hospitals:

Closest hospital to UNG Dahlonega and Gainesville
North Georgia Medical Center
743 Spring St NE
Gainesville, GA 30501
(770)219-9000

Closest hospital to UNG Cumming
Northside Hospital Forsyth
1200 Northside Forsyth Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 844-3200

Closest hospital to UNG Oconee
1201 Bishop Farms Pkwy
Watkinsville, GA 30677
(706) 310-6201

Any current UNG student can utilize the student counseling center at no charge, the cost of the counseling center is included in the tuition that you are currently paying. There is no shame in asking for help.

UNG Dahlonega Student Counseling

Stewart Success Center
Suite 246
238 Georgia Circle
Dahlonega, GA 30597

To schedule an appointment call: 706-864-1819

UNG Cumming Student Counseling

300 Aquatic Cir
Cumming, GA 30040

To schedule an appointment call: 470-239-3134

UNG Gainesville Student Counseling

Student Center
Room 115
3820 Mundy Mill Rd
Oakwood, GA 30566

To schedule an appointment call: 678-717-3660

UNG Oconee Student Counseling

Administration Building
Room 106
1201 Bishop Farms Parkway
Watkinsville, GA 30677

To schedule an appointment call: 706-310-6205

A    Assess for risk of suicide or harm.

If you or an the individual are is expressing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention in order to prevent further harm to oneself. Address the situation accordingly in order to protect yourself or the individual from causing permanent harm.

L     Listen nonjudgmentally.

Allow time for you and others to express their thoughts and feelings toward the present moment. This may require for you to be less talkative in order to allow space for your peer to express her true emotions. Try not to express your own opinions on the matter. Be a shoulder to lean on.

G    Give reassurance and information.

Provide the individual with helpful information that enables them to look in the direction of light in their life rather than darkness. Never blame the individual for the emotions they are experiencing. Choose to share resources with her in order to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

E     Encourage appropriate professional help.

Approach the individual with resources in the professional field of mental health. Seek out counselors and psychologists who are trained in treating such symptoms. This provides a stable outlet for an individual in which they are capable of experiencing growth.

E     Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

By acknowledging the plentiful resources that exist in the world, it helps an individual select which strategies truly work for herself. There are many resources including self-help books, lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and even support from one’s community.

Components to helping an individual with depression provided by Jamie Mondics.¹