Ask the Staff
This is a biweekly column featuring real questions from KU students, answered by CAPS staff members. The questions were anonymously collected from students in various PRE 101 sections (Psychology in Research and Education Orientation Seminar) when they were asked, What is the one question you would most like to ask a counselor?
What can I do if my roommate is depressed all the time?
You could start a comedy club
in your dorm room or apartment, but that might get pretty expensive, and
I'm not sure your neighbors would appreciate it, so let's look for some
more viable options. One of the best things you can do for your roommate
is to let her/him know that you are concerned. Sit her/him down and point
out some specific behaviors that make you think s/he might be suffering.
Let her/him know that s/he doesn't have to feel this way, and that counseling
is available to help her/him find ways to feel better.
If s/he is interested in counseling,
offer to help her/him make the appointment. If s/he feels like s/he might
need extra support, you could offer to go to the first appointment with
her/him. If s/he is not interested in counseling, explain to her/him the
level of support that you are willing and able to offer. Can you sit and
listen to her/his problems? Can s/he cry on your shoulder? How often?
For what length of time? It is extremely important that you not only express
your concern for your friend and offer whatever help you feel comfortable
with giving, but that you also continue to care for yourself and to make
sure that your own needs are being met. You won't be much help to your
friend, or to anyone else for that matter, if you are not taking care
of yourself first.
Hilary Van Patton, B.A.
Social Work Intern
Previous columns:
