We all remember Eeyore, from the Winnie the Pooh series, but we never understood his behavior.
What would have happened to him if his friends would’ve gotten him the help he needed?
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, a depression workshop was held at the Multi-Purpose building where psychiatrist, Maria Cevallos, provided a presentation explaining the exact definition of depression, its consequences and how it can be avoided.
“A lot of time depression hits a lot of young people from high school and a lot of stress comes to college because it is a new transition in life. People are scared, they don’t know where they stand in life and trying to find themselves and sometimes people get overwhelmed, they need some extra help,” Cevallos said.
According to Cevallos’ presentation, one in five people suffer depression in their life.
In most cases, the victims find themselves in denial of their situation believing that by exposing their depression to someone else they will be considered weak individuals in life.
This is mostly found in men, but as for women, they are more likely to face depression on average than men.
An interesting case is the fact that depression is highly found in immigrants that come to the United States, trying to learn a new language and fitting in to a new society.
During the meeting, many students and attendees shared their experiences, their comments and their techniques to support one another.
As one may think, not everyone who attended were facing depression, but rather came to be more informed to support someone they care about.
“I chose to come to this workshop because I know someone that I care about and has depression and I don’t know how to help him. So I came to get knowledge about depression,” Briana Morales, dental hygiene major, said.
One highlight point during the presentation was to never ignore suicide comments; depression is a treatable issue and must be kept in mind.
“It is important to listen, because if you don’t listen they will think that no one cares for them […] so we should listen to what they have to say, whatever they are going through,” Morales said.
Cevallos reminded the audience that it is important to treat the case as soon as possible with a professional.
Unfortunately, due to their depression and anxiety, people tend to feel intimidated and scared of doctors.
“Seek professional help. Don’t be afraid of doctors. They are human just like you and me,” Cevallos said.
By the end of the meeting, Cevallos and the attendees shared their solutions to avoid depression.
Exercising 30 minutes a day was the main priority, while others suggested to listen to more cheerful music, a healthy diet and breathing exercise when anxiety attacks.
Cerritos College offers many healthy and helpful activities that can be attached to fight depression.
From meditation sessions to Zumba classes and stress workshops, these services are open to students and with no cost.
For more information visit NIMH.org or call at Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health at 1-800-854-7771.
