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.
