Depression

Symptoms of Clinical Depression:

  • Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
  • Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
  • Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
  • Restlessness, irritability
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not 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 suicide or death

Basic Facts About Clinical Depression:

  • Clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year.
  • Depression causes people to lose pleasure from daily life, can complicate other medical conditions, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide.
  • Depression can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.
  • Unfortunately, though treatment for depression is almost always successful, fewer than half of those suffering from this illness seek treatment. Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn't serious, that they can treat it themselves, or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious medical illness.
    Treatments for Clinical Depression:
  • Clinical depression is very treatable, with more than 80% of those who seek treatment showing improvement. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness. As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences. Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional.

Books

  • David D. Burns (1999), The Feeling Good Handbook (Rev. Ed.). ISBN 0452281326
    This popular book translates the widely used and empirically supported cognitive therapy for depression into a self-help program that addresses depression and other closely related problems (e.g., insecurity, irritability, procrastination, guilt, and so forth). The book offers numerous exercises, self-rating scales, and other aids that make it easy to apply its fundamental concepts while also assessing one’s progress.
  • Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky. Mind Over Mood. A hands on work book for the treatment of depression.
    Counseling resources on campus
  • Counseling and Behavioral Health Center 303.871.2205 (Ritchie Center, 3rd floor north). A variety of groups are being offered to deal with these tragedies. In addition, there is an after-hours counselor-on-call available by calling 303-871-3000.
  • Professional Psychology Clinic
    303.871.3626
  • Counseling and Educational Services Clinic
    303.871.2528
  • Department of Psychology
    Child Study Center (303) 871-3306
    Marital and Family Studies Center (303) 871-3829

Referrals

  • Kelly Belin, Psy.D.
    Licensed psychologist
    90 Madison #405
    Denver, CO 80206
    303-909-7175
    Generalist, depression, anxiety, ADHD, families
    Sliding scale (Currently just taking testing clients)
  • Elizabeth Coldren, Psy.D.
    1612 Pennsylvania Street
    Denver CO 80203
    phone: 303- 570-7971
    Adolescents, adults, couples/families
    Sliding scale
  • Michelle Doft, Psy.D., LPC
    Southeast Psychotherapy Associates, PLLC
    6801 South Quebec, Suite 103
    Englewood, CO 80111
    (303) 694-2782
    General practice offering short and long-term psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, relationship issues and personal growth.
    Offer 24 hour on-call service, including weekends and holidays.
    Fee is $80.00 but will slide for students and take some insurance.
  • Stacey L. Fry, Psy.D., L.P.C.
    8095 East Prentice Avenue
    Greenwood Village, CO 80111
    720-635-0661
    Areas of specialty: diversity, women's growth and development, sexual abuse and trauma, adolescents with Type I diabetes and their families, spiritual growth, depression and anxiety, and relational problems
  • Mark Gidney, Psy.D.
    Licensed Psychologist
    Offices in Frisco and Avon
    970-390-7522
    Generalist, adults, couples, gay/lesbian, depression, grief, testing and assessments, supervision
    Sliding scale
  • Kwai Kendrall-Grove, Ph.D.
    1720 S. Bellaire, Suite 805
    Denver, CO 80222
    303 662-9670
    Eating Disorders, depression, women issues, chronic illness/traumatic brain injury
  • Nikki Kraslin, Psy.D.
    1660 South Albion St. Suite #309
    Denver, Colorado, 80222
    (303) 507-5557
    Generalist, trauma, glbt/diversity, identity development,
    "personal growth," women's issues, depression,
    personality disorders
    Full fee 110$, Sliding Scale available
  • Erin Shrago, Psy.D
    2833 S. Colorado Blvd
    Suite 2445
    Denver, CO 80222
    (303) 596-9650

This information provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject, call the Student Health and Counseling Center or talk to your family doctor.