What is Depression?
Depression is a widespread mental health issue and is the general name for a group of depressive disorders. Depression not only affects the inner state of a person, but can also their outward physical functions. In a state of depression, an individual may experience:
- anxiety
- emptiness
- hopelessness
- guilt
- irritability
- restlessness
- sadness
A depressive episode is not just "feeling down," which everyone experiences from time to time. Depression is a chronic and serious health condition that can be medically treated.
DSM (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders)-5 and ICD-10 codes are varied. Check the DSM-5 for the correct code here in the library.
| LOCATION | CALL # | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Collection (Third Floor) | RC455.2.C4 D54 2013 | LIB USE ONLY |
Support Groups
Emotions Anonymous – 12 Step program designed to improve your mental health. There is no cost in attending these meetings. Three locations in Hampton Roads.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
Meetings:
Virginia Beach United Methodist Church (Emotions Anonymous) -- 18th Street and Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach. Tuesdays at 1:00 pm. FMI: Dave 757-351-3413 or 651-647-9712 (EA)
St. Pius Catholic Church -- 7800 Halprin Drive, Norfolk. Wednesdays at 7 pm. FMI: Pauline 464-6715.
Emotions Anonymous -- Support ministry at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, 1100 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach. Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, and Saturdays at 5:30 pm. FMI: Anne 757-515-7552
Restoring the Hurting – Support Group Ministry of the World Outreach Worship Center -- 1233 Shields Rd., Newport News, Thursdays at 7:00 pm. FMI: 757-874-1223
Still Standing, Surviving Suicide Support Group -- meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Spring Branch Community Church, 1500 N. Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach. Facilitators include Charlie Liggio, LCSW and Sue Dempsey, LCSW of First Colonial Psychotherapy Services, and Elaine Roberts, survivor. FMI: 757-464-9289
Norfolk State University Counseling Services Suite 312 Student Services Building, 757-823-8173, hours 8 am to 5 pm.
Check out the article in Wellnote - Unmasking Depression for more information on how to recognize and manage anxiety and depression.
Hotline Support
Take a minute to look over the following phone numbers for crisis support. All of them are toll-free numbers. This means you don't have to pay for the call, and it will not show up on your phone bill.
Suicide
- Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-273-TALK
1-800-SUICIDA - 1-800-784-2432 / 1-888-628-9454
1-800-621-4000
757-664-6681
Depression
1-800-PPD-MOMS
- Veterans peer support lines
1-877-VET2VET
1-877-424-3838 (1-877-4AID-VET - VA hotline National Call Center for Homeless Veterans)
All Types of Crisis
1-800-233-HELP (Crisis Helpline) / 211 (General Helpline)
- Youth America Hotline
1-877-YOUTHLINE (1-877-968-8454) or text TEEN2TEEN to 839863
1-800-999-9999
- The Trevor Helpline (For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth)
1-800-850-8078
If you are looking for an e-mail depression hotline or local support numbers to call, go to the Befrienders Worldwide website.
Text for Help
- Text from anywhere in the United States, anytime
Text HOME to 741741
Depression E-mail Hotlines and Chat Rooms
Some support centers have e-mail available. You can send a message through the website or send an e-mail to the address provided. A trained professional will usually answer your e-mail within the timeframe the website indicates.
Where to Email or Chat
- Boys Town: This is an chat option for youths and their parents. Email is info@boystown.org. Turnaround time is usually 24-48 hours. Or call 24-7 Crisis Hotline, 800-448-3000
- Lifeline Chat: Talk about stress and other problems anonymously and get non-judgmental support.
- IMAlive: Speak with a volunteer online without having to wait for an emailed reply.
Consider This Before E-mailing
E-mail depression hotlines are great for non-urgent situations. If you have an ongoing problem and you don't need immediate assistance, an e-mail may work for you. However, if you are going through a crisis, a phone call or text can help you right when you need it.
Counselors in Hampton Roads
NSU Mental Health Services
Counseling Center, Student Services Center, Suite 312. Hours 8:00 am - 5 pm.
757-823-8173
Covenant Counseling Services
3101 American Legion Rd Suite 21B, Chesapeake, VA
757-537-3973
Oasis Counseling Center
1919 Commerce Dr., Physics Lab, Hampton, VA
757-301-7129
Community Psychological Resources
919 W 21st St Suite B, Norfolk, VA
757-622-6794
Eden Counseling and Consulting
6330 Newtown Rd Ste 300, Norfolk, VA
757-466-3336
Liberating Lives Christian Counseling and Psychological Services
6325 N. Center Dr. Suite 208, Norfolk
757-961-3255
Mobile Apps
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Moodlytics Moodlytics provides a more in-depth and guided mood tracking experience. You can track your mood, use tags and photos to add more detail, and see analytics of your moods and the various causes.
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Depression CBTDepression CBT is an Android application that allows you to track your mood, keep a cognitive thought diary, and provides articles about depression and cognitive-behavioral therapy.