Know the Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders

By TRAVIS GERLACH, CSU Public Relations Intern

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As part of National Depression Screening Day on Friday, Oct. 11, the Counseling Center is offering free screenings for Minnesota State Mankato students.

The Counseling Center is located in CSU 285 across from the Student Government Office at the west end of the Centennial Student Union’s upper level.

Depression screenings will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon.

Students will complete a written screening questionnaire and discuss the questionnaire and their results with a mental health professional. 

Screenings are anonymous, confidential, and FREE. 

Conducted each October, the National Screening Day offers large-scale mood disorder screenings that seek to identify depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Educational material and resources will be available to help address signs and symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders will be provided, as well as connecting students to resources.

Facts About Depression

• Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.
• About 20% of young people will experience depression in their teen years.
• About 30% of those with depression develop problems with substance abuse.
• Depression can lead to problems at school, low self-esteem, eating disorders, self-injury or disinterest in career or educational opportunities.
• Three times more female adolescents developed depression than their male counterparts.
• Veterans have rate of suicide 50% higher than the rate among other civilians with similar demographic characteristics.
• Only about half of Americans diagnosed with major depression in a given year receive treatment for it.
• Up to 80% of those who receive treatment for depression show an improvement in symptoms, usually within four to six weeks, of beginning treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Depression is a treatable mental health disorder that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Poor Concentration
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Low self-esteem
• Hopelessness or guilt
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a treatable illness defined by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. These changes are categorized into manic (high) and depressive (low) episodes, ranging from bursts of energy to deep despair. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Mania Symptoms

• Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
• Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
• Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
• Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas
• Impulsiveness, poor judgment, easily distracted
• Reckless behavior

Depressive Symptoms

• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Poor Concentration
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Low self-esteem
• Hopelessness or guilt
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that involves chronic worrying, nervousness, and tension. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Feeling like your anxiety is uncontrollable; there is nothing you can do to stop the worrying
• A pervasive feeling of apprehension or dread
• Inability to relax, enjoy quiet time, or be by yourself
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing on things
• Avoiding situations that make you anxious
• Feeling tense; having muscle tightness or body aches
• Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because your mind won’t quit
• Feeling edgy, restless, or jumpy

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