Students learn about disabilities
By AMANDA MISNIK
News Wirter
Saint Mary's Student Diversity Board wanted to educate the student body about how difficult it would be being disabled, but its focus was not only on physical disabilities but "invisible disabilities".
Two representatives from the Counseling and Career Development Center participated in "The Invisible Disability" discussions. Psychologist and director of the Counseling and Career Development Center Mary DePauw gave the presentation "Depression: An Invisible Disability." Counselor and Academic Success Program specialist Gina Christiana presented "Anxiety Disorders: An Invisible Disability."
DePauw spoke about the symptoms of depression and mania, how to recognize these medical disorders and treatment.
"People can't see it, and people can't recognize it for what it is," said DePauw. "[Depression] is an illness of the whole body, not just the mind."
The presentation began with a video that discussed symptoms of depression. DePauw explained that professional help should be obtained if at least five symptoms are experienced for two weeks or longer. Signs of depression include: sad or anxious moods, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, insomnia or over-sleeping, weight loss or weight gain and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
According to DePauw, many people don't seek treatment because they don't realize they are depressed or they blame the depression on personal weakness, believing that it is just life's problems. DePauw explained the difference between "a case of the blues" and depression. "You must sit down and talk it through with someone. When did it start? What are the patterns?"
"See where you learned negative messages … enjoy the higher highs. Keep things in perspective," said DePauw. She explained that a way of identifying depression is asking someone else, "Do you know what's wrong with you?" and "Do you feel like yourself?" If the answers are "I don't know" and "No, I don't," professional help should be sought.
According to DePauw when helping someone who is depressed you should be honest and show that you care. Know when your friend needs his or her own space, and always be supportive. "Let's be committed to support one another."
Depression affects approximately 18.8 million U.S. adults. Ten percent is adults, and 12.4 million are women, while 6.4 million are men. One in five people suffer from depression at some point in their lives, serious enough for medication.
Symptoms of mania consist of inappropriate irritability, severe insomnia, grandiose ideas, increased talking, noticeably increased energy and disconnected or racing thoughts. Experiences of mania have mixed features, where some symptoms may be categorized under mania while others appear to be of depression. Physical examination and diagnostic evaluation will help treat this disorder.
"Know where you're going, and know what you want. Take time to invest in yourself," DePauw said.
On Feb. 7 Gina Christiana, Counselor and Academic Success Program Specialist, presented "Anxiety Disorders: An Invisible Disability."
"[Anxiety] is the No. 1 health issue of women in America, and is No. 2 for men," Christiana said. "It interferes with normal, everyday functioning of life ... it affects your whole being."
Several types of anxiety disorders exist. Panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental illnesses in America. Forty million people in the United States are affected by these weakening disorders.
"There are treatments for everything," said Christiana. "[These disorders] basically take control of your life, [but] there is always light at the end of the tunnel,"
The Student Diversity Board sponsored these events.
All News Stories for Monday, February 10, 2003
