Dear Charlie:

My friends are concerned about me, and have asked me to talk to someone several times. I don't want to categorize myself as depressed because I do not know enough about it to say so. I haven't been happy in a long time. My mood shifts between deep melancholy and mostly just bored and tired. I usually don't even have the desire to do things I enjoy. My best friend has been on an exchange for a year in another country and my other friends have drifted away, but I have not gained any new friends and not from a lack of effort. I had a few new friends that I attempted to spend time with, but after a short time it didn't seem worth the effort. I'm not generally a lazy person. I am a bit reserved, but have had no problem gathering new groups of friends in the past. I seem to be in a state of limbo where the nothing is interesting anymore. Everything is just tiring and seems to have no gain to my life. I've also notice I've become much more irritable and can't put up with nuisances very long. I've probably felt this way for about 10 months now and it seems to get worse with every day.

Signed: Limbo

Dear Limbo:

Charlie hears that you have not been feeling like yourself for quite a while and that it's getting worse.  As you mention, your friends have noted the change in you and have encouraged you to get some help.  Charlie is glad that you've taken this opportunity to write in.  It can be an important first step to getting the help you need. 

You say that you've been reluctant to categorize this as depression because you don't know enough about it.  Based on your letter, however, it does sound like are suffering from depression.  The symptoms you name fit the diagnosis very well.   These include: depressed and irritable mood; mood shifts; decreased energy and motivation; lack of interest in pleasurable activities; and social withdrawal.     

Charlie wants you to know that, as bad as depression feels, there is hope!  The treatment success rate is relatively high:  80% of people who engage in treatment report feeling significantly better.  Studies indicate that, for most people, the most effective treatment is some combination of medication and individual counseling.  However, some people do quite well either with counseling or medication alone.  With this in mind, Charlie recommends that you begin by making an intake appointment at the Counseling Center (320 Lucina Hall; 285-1736).  Together with your therapist, you can discuss whether you want to try counseling, medication, or both.  If you opt for medicine, your therapist can discuss referral options for a medical professional.  These may include seeing someone on campus (e.g., at the Health Center) or a family physician. 

If you find it difficult to make the initial contact, you might consider asking one of your friends to sit with you while you call or walk over to the Center with you.  Also, know that Charlie's friends at the Counseling Center are warm and easy to talk to as well as skilled at helping people who are suffering from depression.  Charlie encourages you to take this next step.  After all, no one deserves to feel depressed. 

To climbing back into the light,

Charlie