Kristen talks to a residence life professional from Canada in this episode where we discuss the issues with asking our higher education staff to work harder instead of working smarter. Listen in to learn more about their story, including how they first discovered their depression through physical symptoms and with the diagnosis of their primary care physician, and how they learned to care for themselves by recognizing the limits on their energy.

Show Notes:

• If you recognize these symptoms, you may be experiencing depression. Consider seeking help from a licensed therapist or your primary care doctor (from Mental Health America):
  • Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
    
  • Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
    
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
    
  • Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
    
  • Restlessness, irritability
    
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
    
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
    
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
    
  • Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
    
  • Thoughts of suicide or death
• Online screenings for depression or other mental illnesses
• Spoon Theory
• Resources for higher ed professionals wanting to learn more about mental illness
• The Committed Project bookshelf