On university campuses all around the nation, depression is a serious and important issue. Students studying in college are more likely to experience depression because of things like stress related to the job, education, or money, or because they may feel lonely after relocating away from relatives and parents.
College students should be aware that intermittent melancholy or stress are not the same as depression. Although common and treatable, depression is a significant medical disease. No unnecessary quiet pain should exist.
Depression can manifest as a depressed frame of mind (feeling down, vacant, or helpless), a loss of enthusiasm in or enjoyment from previously entertaining activities, weight changes, sleeping problems, loss of energy, remorse, worthlessness, difficulty in focusing, difficulty in making choices, irritability, restlessness, or suicidal thoughts.
Students may find it hard to perform in daily life due to the signs of depression, which can also lead to suicide impulses as they get worse. Suicidal thoughts need to be treated right away.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second most prevalent cause of death for people aged 15 to 34. Suicidal thoughts are a major sign of despair and should be taken seriously by anyone experiencing them. You do not have to deal with those thoughts alone because you are not. You can feel healthier and find comfort with assistance.
Traditionally, psychotherapy and medicines are the first things that come to mind when attempting to treat depression. Even though these are effective and frequently advised for everyone with chronic depression, although they occasionally go unnoticed, other additional strategies can be useful as well.
Moreover, there are other approaches to treating depression that are more effective long-term (and have less risk of recurrence) than therapy or medications alone. Some of the coping mechanisms provided here often complement one another and can be used in combination to improve your general well-being. For instance, you will probably rest well if you exercise and eat healthily. This list will provide you with practical tips for overcoming depression while in college.
1. Make Use Of Counseling
Depression should not be faced alone by anyone. Mental health specialists that have undergone training and licensing can offer assistance in helping you seek comfort from your symptoms. According to DocChristine, depression counseling can assist people in determining what problems are causing their feelings of depression and ways to resolve these problems successfully. According to the American Psychological Association, therapy can aid in easing depressive symptoms and assist guard against recurrences.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists several variables when choosing a counselor, there are possible factors you should keep in mind, including the sort of therapy or specialty the counselor offers. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic alliance between the counselor and client is essential to achieving success. Don’t assume therapy won’t be helpful in the future just because you’ve tried it before and weren’t successful; the therapist could not be a suitable fit for you.
Students can obtain on-campus counseling services at several colleges for minimal or no expense. Counselors are selected for their ability to connect with and assist students on college campuses.
If your depression or any other mental condition stops you from participating in your academics efficiently, you can request special accommodations. You should start looking for a counselor with a counseling facility immediately.
2. Research Medication Solutions
Generally speaking, it is a good idea to discuss your depression symptoms with your primary care physician. Any medical conditions that might be causing your depressive symptoms can be ruled out or treated with the assistance of your doctor.
Psychiatrists, medical professionals, and nurse practitioners can all recommend medicine to manage depression. Your doctor could suggest that you consider seeing a mental well-being therapist before taking medication after speaking with you regarding your unique concerns.
Psychotherapy may not always be sufficient for more severe cases of depression. You, your counselor, and your doctor may conclude that medication may be beneficial. Thankfully, new drugs that can effectively treat depression have been made possible by medical advancements.
4. Train your Mindfulness with Exercises
Being present and attentive in the present is the definition of mindfulness. Even though it may seem straightforward, practicing mindfulness may be very difficult until one can become aware of and concentrate on the current circumstance.
College students may discover that they are juggling so many various obligations (lessons, work, friendships) at once that it is difficult for them to concentrate without worrying about what they have to do further. Additionally, balancing constant distractions from our always-present phones might make it seem nearly difficult to envision staying in the present.
However, there is a chance because there are many ways to learn about them and put mindfulness exercises into practice. Talking with a mental health professional who emphasizes mindfulness is one of them. Signing up for a yoga class (certain classes emphasize mindfulness more than others), reading about various mindfulness practices and putting them into practice on your own, going to a meditation event or class, and hearing calming mindfulness affirmations are all effective ways to practice mindfulness.
Studies have indicated that these practices can help people control their depression. While there are many mindfulness exercises that people can do alone at home, there is a type of therapy called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy that a person can engage in while conversing with a counselor.
3. Spend Some Time Outdoors
Spending quality time in nature has been demonstrated to lessen the signs of depression, despite how straightforward it seems. The idea that devoting time to nature and developing a connection with it will help reduce anxiety has given rise to a therapeutic approach. This approach is described as ecotherapy, natural therapy, or green therapy. Numerous research indicates the effectiveness of ecotherapy.
Researchers from all around the globe have looked at the benefits of spending time in nature and the environment. Spending time with trees is what it means to “forest bathe,” a tradition that originated in Japan.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that you are not alone. Among college students, anxiety and depression are quite prevalent. When asked about their psychological health, almost 50% of university students say they had sought therapy for stress and mental health problems.
Loneliness, isolation, and social exclusion can all play a significant role in the onset of depression. Call out to family members or friends with whom you feel comfortable discussing your feelings.
