Baruch College Counseling Center
137 East 25th Street, 9th floor
646-312-2155
counseling@baruch.cuny.edu

Depression

Not everyone experiences clinical depression in the same way. Different people have different symptoms. To help you decide if you, or someone you care about, needs to be evaluated for clinical depression, review the checklist of symptoms below and note those that best apply. If you experience FIVE or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, if suicide is a serious concern, or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine, see your doctor or mental health professional. A thorough physical examination may be recommended to rule out other illnesses.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression:

• A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
• Sleeping too much or too little or middle-of-night or early-morning waking
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Irritability, restlessness
• Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Where To Turn For Help – Resources:

• Family healthcare provider
• Campus health facility (Counseling Center or Health Center)
• Medical school-affiliated programs
• Community mental health centers
• Mental health specialist (psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or mental health counselor)
• Community hospital psychiatric department or outpatient psychological treatment clinic
• Family service/social agency
• Clergy
• Local mental health association
• Local chapter of the American Psychiatric Association (for referrals)
• Crisis Intervention Center (check your local phone directory or call 911)

Other Resources and Information:

• American Psychiatric Association
• American Psychological Association
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
• International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Mental Health Association
• National Self-Help Clearinghouse
• Screening For Mental Health, Inc.