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Mental health concerns can impact relationships, academic performance, work and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is facing these difficulties, remember that support is available.��

Learn more about the signs of depression, along with information on where to seek help.��

1. Difficulty getting out of bed��

While it can be normal to enjoy staying in bed, struggling to get up or find motivation in the morning may signal depression. Even simple tasks like waking up or showering can feel exhausting due to fatigue.��

2. Changes in sleep��

Depression often causes fatigue that disrupts sleep in different ways. Some people may sleep much more than usual, while others struggle with insomnia, finding it hard to fall or stay asleep. This can create a cycle where poor sleep increases anxious thoughts and vice versa.��

3. Changes in appetite��

��Depression can affect eating habits—some people may eat more, and others may lose their appetite. Sleep also affects hunger hormones, so changes in sleep may also impact one's appetite.��

4. Persistent irritability or mood swings��

Depression can cause frequent mood swings or irritability, sometimes triggered by minor issues or even without a clear reason. If these changes last for several days, they may be a sign of depression.��

5. Difficulty experiencing joy or connection��

Depression can make it difficult to enjoy activities or connect with others. People may lose interest in hobbies, schoolwork or relationships, and sometimes withdraw from friends and family, which can worsen feelings of loneliness.��

6. Self-harm and self-injury��

Depression and anxiety can lead to overwhelming emotions, and some individuals may use self-harm to cope. Self-harm is usually not intended as a suicide attempt but as a way to manage distress. Self-harm can also take many forms, such as cutting, burning, scratching, hitting oneself or reopening wounds.��

Because self-harm is stigmatized, seeking help can be difficult. However, confidential support is available on campus.��

Finding support for yourself��

If you recognize any of these signs within yourself, know that you’re not alone. Campus resources are here to support you with care and understanding, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated or unsure about how to move forward.��

Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides mental health support for all ��ɫ��Ƶ students, including same-day mental health screenings, brief individual therapy, group therapy, workshops and crisis support.������

Reaching out and taking that step shows courage—and you deserve kindness and support as you work toward feeling better.��

How to help a fellow Buff��

If you notice a roommate, friend, coworker or classmate experiencing any of these symptoms, here are a few things you can do to help.������

Acknowledge their feelings: Often, when someone is depressed, they will disclose their struggles to friends or loved ones before seeking out resources. If someone expresses difficulties, even if they don’t refer to it as depression, acknowledge their feelings and let them know that you’re there for them.��

Express concern: When you notice someone is struggling, let them know you’re worried about them. This acknowledgement can help someone who may be struggling feel validated and cared for. You can say something like, “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay?”��

Remain calm: It’s normal to feel anxious when someone discloses that they’re experiencing mental health difficulties, but it’s important to appear calm and confident. Remember, it’s okay to seek support for yourself while offering support to others.������

Listen without offering judgment or advice: Listen to your loved ones when they tell you about their experiences, emotions and difficulties. Avoid passing judgement, relaying your own experiences or offering advice about what you think they should do. Instead, focus on being there for them in the moment. Your job isn’t to fix the situation but to help them feel heard and understood.������

Ask what would be helpful: People need support in different ways. Ask what might help, and if they have specific requests, let them know what you can do. If they’re unsure, offer to check in or help with tasks like cleaning or grocery shopping.��

Share resources: If someone you know is struggling, you don’t have to carry that burden for them. Instead, let them know there are resources available to help. When sharing resources, avoid forcing that person to use them. Instead, allow them to choose how and when they seek out help. If they are comfortable finding more support, you can offer to help them connect with resources on or off campus.��

If you are worried that a friend who really needs support may not access resources, you can contact Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) by calling 303-492-2277 and consult with a clinician about your concerns.����

Resources��

Counseling & Psychiatric Services: CAPS provides on-campus mental health support for all ��ɫ��Ƶ students, including same-day mental health screenings, brief individual therapy, group therapy, workshops and crisis support.��

Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support (SOAS): The severity of someone’s distress may be unclear, or you may be concerned about a student and don’t know how to move forward. If this is the case, you can refer students to SOAS. Case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while also building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.��

: Need help finding a mental health provider in the community? Thriving Campus can help you find and connect with local providers based on your needs, insurance coverage and more.��

: During this free training, you will learn about risk factors and warning signs, engage in experiential activities and learn about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.��