Depression in college can happen for a multitude of different reasons, and sometimes, it can occur for seemingly no reason whatsoever. College students are often susceptible to developing depression; a massive lifestyle change, stress from school or work, anxiety about finances, and the pressure of making and maintaining new friendships can quickly mount up and lead to a multitude of mental health problems that will need to be dealt with. One of the main things for college students to be aware of is that depression is different from occasionally feeling down; it can take over every aspect of your life leaving you feeling empty and with little interest in the things that you used to love. If you are worried about yourself or a fellow student is showing the signs and symptoms of depression, here are some tips for coping with it.
Tip #1. See a Therapist
Nobody should suffer from depression alone, so the first step to take to get on the road to recovery is to see a therapist. Speaking to somebody about your problems can be incredibly difficult, so you can be assured that any therapist you see will be patient and understand you; it’s their job to offer you support and help rather than forcing you to speak about anything you’re not comfortable with. Whether it’s your home life, your MSN to DNP online, or something else that’s getting you down, talking therapies can help you identify the areas where you can actually do something to improve things. Remember that you are always in control!
Tip #2. Exercise More
One of the main symptoms of depression is a lack of interest in doing just about anything. It’s not uncommon for people suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) to isolate themselves and lock themselves in their room all day to sleep and get away from their negative thoughts. So, the last thing that you might want to do is exercise. Thankfully, there’s no need to commit to long, strenuous workouts at the gym. A brisk walk is a great way of getting exercise that anyone can do and will release ‘feel-good’ hormones, helping to lift your mood and relieve your symptoms. Or, if you’re not feeling up to going out, why not try online yoga tutorials that you can do from the comfort of your own home?
Tip #3. Consider Medication
Medication is not for everybody, and there’s certainly no shame in deciding either to take antidepressants or to give them a miss. However, it’s a good idea to at least know what your options are, so discuss with your doctor whether it could be a good option for you. If you’re studying for a healthcare program such as a nurse practitioner doctorate degree from Regis College, you may already have a better idea than most. Since medication tends to mask rather than cure the symptoms of depression, many people suffering from this illness find it helps them get a head start before turning to non-pharmaceutical methods of treatment that focus on finding a cure, such as psychotherapy, meditation, and living a healthier lifestyle.
No college student should suffer in silence with depression. Help and support are available from your school, doctor, and social circle.