By Dr. Kimberly Thomas LCPC
Did you know college students are more susceptible to depression due to potential factors such as stress with school, work, or finances, or possibly feeling isolated after moving away from friends and family?
Symptoms of depression include: a depressed mood (feeling sad, empty, or hopeless); lack of interest or pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy; fluctuations in weight; difficulty with sleeping; low energy; feeling worthless; feeling guilty; difficulty concentrating; difficulty making decisions; feeling irritable; feeling restless; and/or feeling suicidal.
The increased symptoms of depression can make it difficult to function in day to day life. As depression symptoms intensify and become unmanageable, one may even begin to feel suicidal. Feelings or thoughts of suicide need to be addressed immediately. You are not alone and you do not need to cope with these feelings alone.
With help, you can get relief and feel better. If you are feeling suicidal please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK which offers free and confidential crisis support for suicide prevention 24/7.
Additionally, there are effective ways to deal with depression and increase your overall sense of well-being.
Engage in Psychotherapy
Many college campuses provide on campus counseling centers for students to access at little to no cost. Therapists on college campuses will often have been hired for their ability to connect with and support college students. Sessions are confidential and can provide immediate support.
Spend Time in Nature
It may seem simple, but spending time in nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression.
A 15-30 minute walk has been shown to have an impact on mental clarity and symptom relief of depression. Finding time at least once a week could have a significant impact on your mental health.
Exercise
Exercise has countless physical health benefits such as strengthening your heart, lowering blood pressure, reducing body fat, and improving physical strength. Exercise has also been shown to have numerous mental health benefits including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. College students can benefit from the impact that exercise has on the brain including improved memory and thinking skills.
Strengthen your Social Engagement
Going to college often means moving away from friends and family and starting a new life in a new town or city and meeting new people. This can be difficult and overwhelming. Putting time and energy into meeting new people and developing friendships is important for your mental health.
There are many ways that college students can strengthen their social connections such as: put together a study group for a class you enjoy or one you find really hard that stresses you out; set a time with your roommates for a weekly dinner date; join an on campus club or intramural sports team; and/or find an on campus organization that promotes community service and connect with others while giving back to the community. As a college student it can also be beneficial to think about how to stay connected with friends and family back home. Emails and phone calls with family and longtime friends who you feel know you well can be uplifting.
Meditate and Pray
If you’re feeling depressed, remember that you’re not alone. God is with you always. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your family, your church, or your friend circles. Ask them to pray with and for you, and continue to pray each day, asking God to draw you closer to Himself.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5: 6-7 NIV