Brave together

Everyone can experience anxiety, but when symptoms are overwhelming and constant — often impacting everyday living — it may be an anxiety disorder. (NAMI)

Depression involves recurrent, severe periods of clear-cut changes in mood, thought processes and motivation lasting for a minimum of two weeks. Changes in thought processes typically include negative thoughts and hopelessness. Depression also affects sleep/energy, appetite or weight. (NAMI)

Anxiety & depression look different on everyone, which makes it hard to diagnose. Each condition has its own set of unique symptoms, that can overlap. Here are the 10 common signs to help identify if you or someone you care about might be living with anxiety or depression.

1. Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
2. Trying to harm or end one’s life & or making plans to do so
3. Severe, out-of-control, risk-taking behavior that causes harm to self or others
4. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or difficulty breathing
5. Significant weight loss or gain
6. Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real
7. Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
8. Drastic changes in mood , behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
9. Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still
10. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

Developed by Maybelline New York and The JED Foundation, BRAVE TALK is a free, expert-developed training designed to be delivered by college staff to empower students with the skills to support peers who may be struggling and help connect them to care.

If your college would like to learn more about Brave Talk, contact workshops@jedfoundation.org