Depression and your Overall Health

There are medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism and some brain disorders, among others) that can be mistaken for symptoms of depression. It is important to have a complete physical work-up to rule out medical causes for what appears to be depression. The Manhattanville College Counseling Center works closely with the medical staff of the Health Center to rule out medical causes for students’ presenting concerns.

Also, with depression there is a possibility for co-occurring issues and illnesses. There is a relationship between eating disorders and depression. Someone has said that it’s easier to stuff your face than face your stuff. Also, one out of 3 depressed people suffer from some form of substance abuse or dependence. In addition, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Laboratory for the Study of Stress, Immunity and Disease has found that students’ immune function is related to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, some symptoms of depression. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation may weaken college students’ immune response. Students who are lonely and feel less connected and supported seem to visit their college’s health center more frequently. They also seem to need a longer time for recovery when they experience acute illness. There is a relationship between mental and physical health.