Nearly half of the students who seek help at the Student Health Center for psychological concerns are eventually diagnosed with depression or mood disorder, according to Mary Anne Knapp, clinical social worker and senior staff therapist for Penn State.
Knapp addressed the challenges of developing personal relationships while suffering from depression Thursday in an informal discussion offered by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
The discussion was fourth in a seven-part series offered throughout the semester.
"It can be hard to get into a relationship when you are depressed because you are unable to reach out to other people," she said. "Communication can be really helpful and it is important to figure out how they are going to get through this, and how they are going to get through this together."
Knapp said most relationships affected by depression are because of the irritability experienced by depressed parties. She also said the disorder not only hurts the individual suffering from it, but the people around them as well.
Couples and individuals can seek counseling to learn the limits of themselves and their partners, and how to deal with the potentially negative consequences of depression in their relationships, she added.
"Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't," she said. "One of the dangers of depression is being alone in a relationship."
Leslie A. Laing, student affairs coordinator for adult learner programs, said the CAPS series is important to foster a healthy student population because it helps people learn how to effectively manage several aspects of their lives.
"You have to maintain a balance between home life, work life and personal life," she said.
Despite the common misconception, Knapp said there is hope for those who are facing a depression diagnosis.
"Eighty to 90 percent of people who get treatment for depression will get better," she said. "The initial starting point is to get someone you are concerned about to a mental health professional."
CAPS offers a variety of alternative services for those in need of help for personal issues. Services provided include individual and group therapies, couples counseling and crisis intervention, according to its Web site.
"Understanding that depression isn't a character flaw, that it can be a serious illness, is important," Knapp said. "People should be comfortable to reach out and get help if they or their partner are experiencing depression."
The next installment of the CAPS Personal Issues Series will focus on maintaining healthy relationships and will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
