Social I. causes of Depression
A. Coming from a new environment is very difficult, especially when there is a larger group that you have
to meet, live, and study with. Being able to adapt with these changes and meeting new people is crucial
to happiness.
1. The upshot of 50 years of happiness research is that the quantity and quality of a person's social
connectionsfriendships, relationships with family members, closeness to neighbors, etc.is so
closely related to well-being and personal happiness the two can practically be equated
a. http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness/post/happiness_is_being_socially_connected/
b. People with many friendships are less likely to experience sadness, loneliness, low-self esteem,
and problems with eating and sleeping.
2. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, where one has a deep sense of emptiness, worthlessness,
lack of control, and personal threat. The AARP The Magazine survey revealed that people suffer
from loneliness every day. Loneliness can lead to depression, and many students who go away to
college experience feelings to loneliness and sadness stemming from the loss of contact with their
friends and family. However, this loneliness motivates them to make new friends. Loneliness has
been linked to poor immune functioning, elevated blood pressure, higher levels of stress hormones,
lower sleep quality, obesity, alcoholism and drug abuse, and even dementia in older adults.
Loneliness also diminishes the brains executive functioning, making it harder for lonely people to
control their impulses, which is why they like to indulge in guilty pleasures rather than exercising
or eating well.
a. http://www.aarp.org/relationships/family/info-09-2010/loneliness-or-depression.2.html
II. Communication/Get Involved
A. One of the largest affects of depression is the feeling of being alone. Like I said before, loneliness does
not cause depression, but it does have a significant effect on it. However, there are ways to battle this
feeling of isolation, with something I call EASE
1. E is for Extend yourself-put in yourself social situations where you interact with others, it doesnt
have to be a huge ordeal, talking to someone in class or volunteering at a shelter gives positive
reinforcement as well as rebuilding your confidence.
2. A is for action plan, realize that we are not passive victims, and that we can change our situation if
we want to
3. S is for Selection, choose what type of relationships you would like to have with others. If you are
quiet, find someone who enjoys companionship; if you like to party, find a good party buddy
4. Lastly, E is for Expect the Best, look at things with an open mind, and soon things will look better,
it starts with you first.
B. Join clubs, Greek life, go to parties, meet new people, talk to classmates, attend study groups. Talking
to others will significantly lower your depression especially when knowing that there are people out
there who do care for you
III. Health Center
A. There are facilities on campus that do help with depression. There are counseling services within the
health center that are open five days a week from 8-4:30. Counseling is offered for Individuals, groups,
and even couples. The services are free and definitely confidential.
1. Come in for a 20 minute screening
2. www.hcs.calpoly.edu/counseling/
B. There is a program where they even have puppies for you to pet! Chips, Hans, Buster, & Ziggy
1. Mary Peracca from the Health Center
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CausesofDepression
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Chemical
Serotonin
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