Kansas State University

Emotional wellness: Depression Awareness Month

Submitted by Human Capital Services - Benefits

Emotional wellness can be a big part of you and your colleagues' work and personal lives. October is Depression Awareness Month and according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a given year, 18.8 million American adults — 9.5 percent of the adult population — will suffer from a depressive illness.

Depression may be affecting you or your colleagues. Here's how to recognize and help manage the illness in yourself or others.

A depression screening questionnaire offered by Guidance Resources, part of your Employees' Assistance Program and available to all employees, allows you to take a quick questionnaire to determine depression symptoms. Guidance Resources account set up and registration is required to use the website resources. The company ID is SOKEAP.

If you or a friend/family member is dealing with depression, below are some ways to cope with depression:

• Seek professional support: Talk to a medical doctor, therapist or professional counselor.
• The Employee's Assistance Program is available to locate a professional counselor in the area for counseling sessions, up to eight free sessions.
• Manage your stress: Learn effective ways to reduce your stress and anxiety, which may minimize your feelings of depression.
• The HealthQuest program offered by the state of Kansas has quick webinars to identify ways to manage stress. "Taking the Stress Out of Relationships" is a current offering available.
• Exercise and eat right: A nutritionally balanced diet and regular fitness activities can improve your mood and boost your self-esteem. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise program that is right for you. The movement challenge has recently completed, keep the momentum going and commit to a lifestyle of physical wellness by being active.
• Be more social: Stay in touch with friends and family. Get out more often and participate in enjoyable activities, such as attending social gatherings, seeing movies, and having lunch or dinner with friends.
• There are consistently activities on campus offered to a variety of interests, this is a great way to stay social. Watch K-State Today for announcements of upcoming events.
• Educate yourself: Learn all you can about depression, support groups in your area and managing your feelings.
• There are several articles available discussing how to deal with depression at work. Forbes, U.S. News and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services all have great information on how to recognize, manage and support emotional wellness in yourself and others.

K-State and Human Capital Services continues to support the holistic wellness journey of its community. Stay tuned for more information and opportunities to engage in a healthy lifestyle of "Living Your Best."