Surviving College With Depression | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Surviving College With Depression

This is only four years, not for life.

34
Surviving College With Depression
Salon.com

Having depression is never easy –– ask anyone with depression. The crushing weight of responsibilities you can't bring yourself to do, strained relationships, dark, invading thoughts –– these aren't easy things for even the most resilient and thick-skinned person to handle. Now, add college. You get late nights and stress, which is often a deadly combination.

Think about it: you spend nights (usually) alone to sulk in your thoughts and tell yourself that you aren't good enough. College is stressful, regardless of major, involvement in clubs, commuter or resident. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 34 percent of college students have felt depressed in the last three months, and 9 percent have seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Depression can manifest itself in many ways, including both overeating and underrating, quick temper, insomnia, oversleeping, apathy towards activities they once enjoyed and general "down-in-the-dumps" as I like to call it. Some of the happiest people we know are the most depressed.

Depression can be hard to spot in college kids, as many of us, when prompted "hey, how are you?" respond with a sigh, and "stressed," and the friend replies with a knowing smile. Next time your friend has a glazed-over look, ask them if it's just the essay they're stressing over or if it's something deeper. Their honesty may surprise you.

Look out for your friends, ya'll.

For those of you reading this with depression –– take a deep breath. You can do this. The nights are long and the days are hard; put one foot in front of the other. Right now classes may seem impossible, raising your GPA can seem like a dream, and that club is draining you of what little energy you have left. But you can do it. If you need to miss that class because you physically cannot pull yourself out of bed, then miss it! Ask your professor for what you missed the next class or ask a friend.

Give yourself a mental health day once a week or even once every two weeks or as often as needed. If it's hard to dedicate an entire day, at least dedicate an hour. Get some fresh air, take a walk. Shut everything down. Meditate maybe. Aromatherapy works very well for me (the lavender is very relaxing). And repeat this to yourself: "This is only four years, not for life."

This is only four years, not for life.

No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774566
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

536
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

1177
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

879
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments