Moving away from home, spending long hours studying, making new friends, setting your own schedule—these are the realities that come with becoming a college student. And they are part of the reason why some students become depressed .
If left untreated, depression can lead to eating disorders , alcohol and drug abuse , and even suicide.
Depression can be triggered by any stressful life change—even if it is a change you choose to do, such as going to college. For many young adults, college is the first major life change they have experienced. College students are in a transitional phase of life, facing such issues as:
What are some ways you can help deal with the changes that come with being a college student? How can you differentiate between normal sadness or homesickness and depression? What should you do if you think you are depressed? How is depression treated? Here is what you need to know.
If you or someone you know is having trouble adjusting to the stresses and changes that come along with college life, here are some coping tips from Mental Health America:
How do you know if you are depressed? Depression is more than just a passing blue mood. It is an illness that, if left untreated, can last for weeks, months, or even years. The following symptoms can be signs of depression:
If you are concerned that you are depressed, one of the most important things you can do is seek treatment. Treating depression can help you enjoy your college years.
Talk to your regular doctor, or visit the student health or counseling center. A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and, if necessary, refer you to a mental health specialist.
There are many forms of therapy available for the treatment of depression, including counseling, medicine, or a combination of the two. Medicine can help to relieve your symptoms, and counseling can help you learn to deal with life’s problems.
Some students experience such severe depression that they begin to have suicidal thoughts. If this happens to you, it is an emergency. Seek immediate help from your college health service, counseling service, or the nearest hospital emergency department. Make sure that friends, residence hall staff, and family members know how you are feeling, so that you can get the best support. And try to remember that depression is an illness that can be managed. You can get help and feel better.
Remember, although college can be a difficult time, it is a chance for you to grow and change for the better—both personally and professionally. Do not let depression overshadow your college experience.
RESOURCES:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.DBSAlliance.org/
Mental Health America
http://www.nmha.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/index.asp/
Mental Health Canada
http://www.mentalhealthcanada.com/
References:
Depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm . Accessed December 4, 2003.
Depression and treatments. University of Michigan Depression Center website. Available at: http://www.depressioncenter.org/ . Accessed June 3, 2008.
Finding hope & health: college student and depression pilot initiative fact sheets. National Mental Health Association website. Available at: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF94EF-1372-4D20-C82C6662A99A89AD . Accessed December 8, 2003.
Tips on dealing with depression in college. National Mental Health Association website. Available at: http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/DepressioninCollege.cfm . Accessed December 4, 2003.
12/2/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Mead GE, Morley W, Campbell P, Greig CA, McMurdo M, Lawlor DA. Exercise for depression. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev . 2008;CD004366.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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