Concentration, Thinking and Depression

University is tough for lots of reasons without having to struggle with depression.
When most people think of depression, the first things that come to mind are sadness, a loss of enjoyment in life, withdrawal and fear that so often accompany the disorder.
And while these are all very painful, and central, parts of the condition, other symptoms of depression can be at least as damaging, and for students, trouble concentrating can be very detrimental.
The inability to concentrate and/or make decisions is a debilitating aspect of depression. Along with decreased ability to concentrate are other cognitive symptoms of depression which make depression at school so difficult:
• Negative or distorted thinking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Distractibility
• Forgetfulness
• Reduced reaction time
• Memory loss
• Indecisiveness
It is important to take action to resolve depression, which will resolve the symptoms and allow you to continue your studies and of course feel better.

Check out these resources for more information: http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/Depression_Symptoms,_Causes_and_Diagnosis.htm
http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-cognitive-symptoms-of-depression/00016214
image from: http://teenskepchick.org/2012/06/25/how-superstition-invades-exams

DISCLAIMER: All content here should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Denise, representative of humans of depression;

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Study shows that inflammation may be a potential cause of depression

Although there are still lots of ambiguity behind pathology of depression, research now shed some light on what could be happening to the brain for those with depression. Researchers from Center of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) compared brain scans of 20 participants with depression to 20 participants without and they found that those with depression had 30% more inflammation in the brain.¹ This is consistent with the findings that patients who have lupus, a systemic inflammatory disease, were more likely to develop clinical depression.²

The research shows a potential target for antidepressant drugs and treatment, but more research is required to elucidate the link between inflammation and depression. What is also important is that by showing there is a physical change in the brains of those that are depressed help eliminate the stigma on depression that it is “within someone’s control” and help emphasize its legitimacy.

~Mei Wen, Humans of Depression Representative

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References:

1. Steve Volk. Philadephia. “Tragedy of Madison Holleran and Suicides at Penn” Retrieved from http://www.phillymag.com/articles/penn-suicides-madison-holleran/