Winter can be beautiful with snowfall and holiday charm. It may feel like winter now but it is still technically Fall, a season that can be charming with lots to celebrate, but is also marked by a time of the year depression becomes more prevalent.
October was Depression Awareness Month, but depression is an issue that deserves to be addressed for more than a single month. As we close Fall semester, it is incredibly important to value our mental health and be aware of depression in particular. Depression is markedly different from a regular expression of sadness, often marked by prolonged periods of melancholy and a sense of enduring apathy and disillusionment.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), roughly 18 percent of the adult population of America experience some form of anxiety disorder, which includes depression. Despite that 18 percent represent approximately 40 million Americans, only 37 percent of them pursue and receive treatment. The numbers are high in spite of the highly treatable nature of depression and anxiety through counseling and other mental health services.
Here on campus, our mental health resources are in the Brickley Center, which is located on Willow Street and accessible via the sidewalk behind Gardner. Brad Thorne is the primary director of the Brickley Center, which operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with flexible appointments available during other hours based on students’ needs. Recently, the Brickley Center has made a 24/7 online screening tool available to students through the Counseling Services section of the Brickley Center page. This tool assesses depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges college students may face in their tumultuous environment.
“It’s important to remember that our mental health is just as important as our physical health,” said Dr. Catherine Mueller-Bell, ENC’s social science program chair. With mental health stigma still being highly present in our society, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Everyone experiences some form of mental health challenges throughout their lives, and often, we need help resolving them. Whether you need a safe place to vent your stresses or regular support through a difficult time, there is always a way to get help.
The Brickley Center can be contacted via email at bradford.thorne@enc.edu or by phone at (617)-745-3892. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out.