(Depression) The Hopkins Depression E-Mail?

Posted on May 7th, 2009 in Ask Dr. Blue Jay

Q. Last year I received an e-mail from the University regarding Depression, and I cannot seem to find my original copy. I want to print out a copy of the e-mail and place it on my fridge, as I have a roommate who I feel is currently going through a tough time. He’s failed a few exams, he’s very hard to reach and talk to, sleeps all the time, and well, I’m quite concerned. Would you happen to have a copy of the e-mail handy?

A. Sure, below is a copy of the content contained in the Letter, with a link at the end for easy printing.

LETTER ABOUT DEPRESSION

Dear Hopkins Student,

Please read this letter and save it. One day, it might help you save someone’s life.

Many groups at Hopkins feel the problem of depression is a serious one, and we are joining the Counseling Center and the Dean of Students offices in bringing this to your attention. We all know that Hopkins can be a stressful place. Many students struggle with depression, and may try to hide it even from those closest to them. Occasionally, depression leads to suicide. There are ways to understand depression and suicide and ways to help one another through difficult times.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the college population. Since 95 percent of college students who commit suicide are suffering from clinical depression, we feel it is important that you know what to look for if you suspect someone you know is depressed.

Symptoms

Depression and thoughts of suicide can affect a person’s life in different ways. Some people may display behavioral changes, while others experience physical symptoms.

Depression has many warning signs, including:

Sadness or anxiety
Feelings of guilt, helplessness, or hopelessness
Changes in appetite or sleep pattern
Withdrawal from friends and social activities
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Increased anger or irritability

Signs of potential suicide include:

Talking about harming oneself
Speaking about “wanting out” or “ending it all”, even in passing
Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
Giving away personal possessions
A sudden apparent improvement in mood or outlook

Suicide can be triggered by a number of things, including:

Stressful events such as a failed exam, failure to get a job, or prolonged illness
Crises in significant social or family relationships
Interpersonal losses such as a romantic breakup
Anything that provokes intense anger or anxiety

How to Help a Friend

If you notice any of the above warning signs you have reason to be concerned. There are ways that you can be helpful:

Express your concerns. For example: “You seem really down lately. Is something bothering you?”
Ask directly about thoughts of suicide: “Have you thought of hurting yourself?”
If your friend is having suicidal thoughts it is important to contact the University Counseling Center (410-516-8278), or after hours and on weekends through Homewood Campus Security at (410-516-7777).
Listen and offer emotional support, understanding, and patience. Convey the message that depression is real, common, and treatable.
Offer to accompany your friend to see a counselor at the Counseling Center, located in Garland Hall, room 358, Homewood campus. A counselor also comes to the Nursing campus one afternoon a week by appointment.
If unsure what to do, feel free to consult with the Counseling Center staff at the numbers above.

Above all, be supportive and as nonjudgmental as possible. As part of the Hopkins community we all need to be attentive, and responsive to those around us.

You can help. You may even save a life!

Additional information about depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and other mental health issues is available 24/7 on the Counseling Center web site.

Thank you for your attention to this very important matter!

Sincerely,

The Counseling Center

Susan Boswell, Dean of Students, Homewood

Sandra Angell, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, School of Nursing

A Place To Talk (APTT)

Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSAGA)

Counseling Center Advisory Board

Pakistani Students Association

South Asian Students Association

Black Student Union

Middle Eastern Students Association

Society of Black Engineers

Office of Residential Life, Homewood

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Psychological Emergencies: Someone is available for consultation from the Counseling Center 24/7/365. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call or visit the Counseling Center office: 410-516-8278, Garland Hall, Room 358, Homewood. At all other times you can reach the emergency duty counselor by calling Homewood Campus Security at 410-516-7777.

Counseling Center Webpage: http://www.jhu.edu/counselingcenter - Includes information on Center mission, staff, and services, as well as links to mental health pamphlets, etc.

SON Student Services Emergency Beeper: 410-389-9414. Sandra Angell, Associate Dean for Student Affairs - 410-955-7545 - Room 118.

SON Security: 410-614-3122

Peer Support: A Place To Talk (APTT) - 410-516-8001. Sunday - Thursday; 7 p.m. to Midnight, AMR I, Homewood.

OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES

Emergency Rooms

Union Memorial Hospital Emergency Room: 410-554-2626

Johns Hopkins Hospital Adult Emergency Department: 410-955-2280.

Other Hospital Emergency Rooms: Check your telephone book for the hospital closest to you, or call 911.

Outpatient Clinics

North Baltimore Center Outpatient Clinic: 410-366-4360.

Johns Hopkins Hospital Community Psychiatric Program: 410-955-3861

Crisis Lines, Information and Referral Services: