Depression in College | What it Looks Like + How to Cope
Dealing with depression in college is equally as accepted as it is shunned, and easily one of the most misconstrued experiences that families and outsiders may never understand.
Before I get into the rest of this post, if you clicked to read because you feel as though you’re struggling with depression (or any disorder that is conflicting with your ability to live the life you desire) please consider getting the help you deserve by looking up a nearby mental health professional that fits your needs, or contact the hotlines listed below if you EVER feel like things become unbearable…
(Although I’m no mental health professional, I love speaking to you guys and always reply to every email, message, or DM. If you just need to vent, I got you boo).
Substance Abuse + Mental Health Services: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Let’s talk about depression, shall we?
I didn’t want to make this post too formal, with definitions and technical terms, but I do want to make sure we can reach an agreement on what depression actually is.
As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.”
Some common symptoms, although they can vary, include:
— Feeling sad or having a depressed mood (nearly each day for more than two weeks straight)
— Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
— Changes in appetite (weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting)
— Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
— Loss of energy or increased fatigue
There are plenty of other symptoms that you can find here if you’re interested in learning more…
Depression is a real thing and if you’ve ever felt like you once struggled with this disorder let me just say this…Your intuition knows best.
Side Note: You know YOU best along with every itch, bruise, and emotion. Please don’t ever disregard mental or physical changes in your body as unimportant or fleeting.
Just imagine mixing depression with classes, stress, and major life changes that college can inflict on a student…
I’m sure we can agree it’s not as cute as it looks in movies.
College is known as the ‘coming-of-age’ experience for newly crowned young adults. Those who enter right after high school, while still attempting to define their past identity, now have to adopt or create another sense of self amidst the thousands of other unique personalities.
Side Note: Identity has a large role in this exciting soap opera we call life. How do YOU define yourself? (Yes, this is your first themakaylalynn homework assignment due: never).
Can I be honest with you for a moment…?
All I’ve heard since starting college was that a true experience included altering my state of mind with some type of substance or ‘special’ experience. Whether this included partying, drinking, non-stop dating or drugs, students are always told to live their best life before adulthood creeps in like the uninvited drunk uncle to a party.
Aside from partying or drinking, because I know not everyone enjoys those activities, we (as students) are also expected to cram our minds with information that some people learn over the course of a decade rather than four years.
It’s becoming an insurmountable amount of information to consume and, in my opinion, one of the main reasons why students begin to experience major depressive episodes.
Major Depressive Episodes
Actual depressive episodes aren't always as dramatic as they look written out. Many experiences can seem like actual television episodes where one day is melancholic and the other is manic or ‘all over the place.’
These episodes are often times labeled or hashtagged as the #collegestudentstruggle but are actually filed under ‘depressive episodes,' and go ignored because of stigma or lack of self-awareness.
So, with that said, if there’s one thing you gather from this post it’s to be more self-aware and accepting of the direction your emotional/ physical health may be headed. There’s nothing wrong with a bad moment as long as you make the choice to not live in that moment forever.
How to Cope
Again, I’m no mental health professional but I HAVE experienced the anxiety, episodes, and mania that I, too, have hashtagged jokingly for the sake of others opinions and acceptance.
Side Note: Acceptance. That’s a doozy huh? NEVER push aside your health, in any way shape or form, because someone in your family or inner circle THINKS you’re okay. Religion, exercise, and being ‘social’ are all great practices, but should never be the only thing you pursue if you genuinely believe you’re struggling.
— Speaking of not relying on one form of ‘treatment,’ always pursue help in as many ways as you can bear. For example, (if getting out of bed is an issue) train yourself to exercise for 20 minutes each morning to make waking up a bit easier and, because exercise alone isn’t the magic antidote, read a devotional or listen to a podcast/TED Talk/motivational speech to start the day on a positive note.
— Speak up. I promise there’s NOTHING better than speaking up and out about whatever you’re going through. If you’re a believer, always make it a point to pray and share your heart with Him while ALSO telling your most trusted parent/guardian or friend.
Keeping silent keeps you in your head. Speak up to let go. Share on X
— Do something that scares or makes you uncomfortable. Yes, this is an actual treatment (called ‘exposure’) that plenty of psychologists use to treat patients with extreme phobias and anxiety. Whether this is riding the bus one day or attending a social event on campus, make yourself as uncomfortable as possible for mere moments to gradually build up your stamina.
— Accept the hard times and forgive yourself. Self-love 101 Y'all. ALWAYS forgive yourself before attempting to change or take back your life. Often times, we jump into new seasons without acknowledging the events of the previous one, leading to unsolved challenges sneaking up in our brand new bubble. Make it a point to write, speak, or meditate over what’s going on, call it by its name, and eventually allow your mind to let it go.
That’s all I had for this post…I hope it was informational or encouraging in any and all ways! I wish nothing but the best for you and hope you’re living or trying to live your best life.
This too shall pass and the best is yet to come. Share on X
Love you all like crazy,
