Welcome
Each day, thousands of students, faculty, and staff rush around campus, hurrying to and from classes, jobs, internships, and study sessions at the library. In the hustle and bustle of today's competitive collegiate atmosphere we often find ourselves forgetting to recognize our most important responsibility--ourselves. When was the last time you read for pleasure instead of your class reading? When was the last time you decided to go for a walk on a sunny day instead of spending those additional four hours in the library? Better yet, when was the last time you reflected on what it is that truly makes you happy? Sadly, for the overwhelming majority of college students, personal time is usually the last item on what can seem like a never-ending to-do list.
"Best Day of Your Life" is an initiative coordinated by Ohio State students who recognize that there is a critical need for change in today's mindset about depression. Recent studies indicate that nearly half of all college students have felt so depressed in the past year that they were unable to function. While tests and competitive internships are important for establishing successful careers, life is about much, much more. Our mission is to remind fellow Buckeyes of the 'little things' in life that bring a smile to our faces and happiness to our hearts. If you're having trouble remembering these things, it may be time to start talking about it.
We challenge you to reflect on what it is that makes you happy and from this day forth make a point to implement those things into your life. Indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure once in a while. Laugh at yourself when you do something embarrassing. Pat yourself on the back when you do a good job. And most importantly, if you find that you're having a hard time reflecting on your happiness, please take the initiative to make necessary changes and meet with someone who can help you to rediscover those little things that may be lost for the moment. Often, the best treatment is action in your daily life. So, Live. Laugh. Love your life.
Not feeling happy?
You are not alone. We are here to help.
- If you are concerned about yourself or a friend dealing with depression, stress, or a traumatic situation turn to Ohio State Counseling and Consulation Services.
- In the case of an urgent situation, thoughts of suicide or suspicion of a suicidal friend, call 614-221-5445 (24 hour line) for help.
- You can also contact Crisis Services for help understanding and helping a suicidal person
- For more information on general wellness ranging from financial and spiritual wellness to sexual assault go to the Student Wellness Center and see their resources
Understanding Why
We hope you've smiled today. And yesterday. In fact, we hope you smile everyday, but if you’re having trouble being happy this spring, that is, well...normal. Happiness is easy to understand, but its absence is not.
Depression is a serious medical illness that causes change in your mood, thinking and behavior. It may occur once or it may come back; however, being quiet about the issue is the worst thing to do.
Use this checklist as a basis for understanding if you or a friend may be suffering from depression. Then, take action to help.
- Loss of interest and pleasure in things you used to enjoy**
- Feeling sad, blue, or "down in th e dumps"; crying a lot**
- Feeling slowed down or restless and unable to sit still
- Feeling wortheless or guilty
- Feeling pessimisitic or hopeless
- Feeling anxious or worried
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Thoughts of death or suicide / trying to harm yourself
- Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions
- Withdrawing from others
- Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time
- Physical problems like headaches, stomach aches, backaches, other aches and pains
- Sexual problems
If you have had 5 or more of these symptoms including at least one of the first two symptoms marked with a star (**) for at least 2 weeks, you may have a major depression. See our resources for further guidance.
One of the best ways to deal with depression is to make yourself get up and do the things that you enjoy. Remain active in activities that will fit your mood. Plan and schedule activities and follow through.
This checklist was taken from: "Depression." Center of Wellness and Prevention; The Ohio State University Medical Center
