Learning About Depression in College Students

Depression is a common health condition that affects people of all ages. It affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It gets in the way of daily life and can happen at the same time as other conditions, such as anxiety, an eating disorder, or substance use disorder. But depression can be treated.

Many factors can lead to depression, including family history, the environment, and a person’s mental health.

There are different types of depression. The most common ones are:

• Major depression. It might feel like a low mood and loss of interest in things that you normally enjoy. These feelings get in the way of daily life and last for at least 2 weeks.
• Persistent depressive disorder. This is a mild form of depression with similar symptoms that lasts for at least 2 years.

Other types of depression include:

• Seasonal affective disorder. It comes and goes with the seasons. Seasonal affective disorder often starts when it gets colder and darker outside and goes away when it gets warmer and brighter.
• Bipolar disorder. This includes episodes of intense mood swings, including depression, irritation, and higher levels of activity. It’s also called manic depression.

Everyone who has depression experiences it differently. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for 2 weeks or more.
• Having a lot of trouble focusing or concentrating.
• Ongoing irritability or anger.
• Using drugs or alcohol to cope.
• Changes in appetite.
• Eating too much or not enough.
• Having anxiety or worry that makes it hard to get through the day.
• Not sleeping enough or sleeping too much.
• Thinking about or planning to harm yourself or others.

Depression is often treated with counseling, medicines, or a combination of both.

Counseling (talk therapy) involves talking with a licensed mental health provider, such as a psychologist. They can help you better understand the way you think about things, how you act each day, and how to manage your moods, feelings, and emotions.

In counseling, you might also:

• Identify helpful coping strategies.
• Learn to use mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises.
• Receive nonjudgmental emotional support.
• Create a safety plan to help if you have thoughts of self-harm.

There are many different approaches to counseling. Look for a provider who uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method can help shift ways of thinking to be more positive.

Counseling can work well for mild to moderate cases of depression. It can also be part of a treatment plan that includes medicines.

Antidepressants may start helping symptoms after a few weeks, but it could take 2 to 3 months. It can take some time to find an antidepressant that works best for you. They don’t work for everyone.

Your doctor may also prescribe other medicine, such as anti-anxiety medicines, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers.

When you have depression, try to be flexible with goals and expectations for yourself. Here are some things you can do.

• Practice positive thinking. If it helps, remember that stressful times don’t last forever.
• Keep healthy habits. These may seem basic, but they’re powerful. On most days, try to:
  • Eat healthy foods.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Be active.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs. They can make depression worse or interfere with medicines.
• Prioritize self-care. Do something just for you. Maybe that’s playing with a pet, visiting a good friend, or taking an interesting class.
• Try doing something you used to enjoy.
• Take a break from your usual day-to-day.
• Expand your support network. Join a campus club or activity to meet new people.
• Open up to friends, family, and others (such as a campus counselor, advisor, or chaplain). They can help put things into perspective or provide support.

Get help right away if you’re having symptoms of depression.

• Check free mental health services on campus. Before school starts, find out:
  • Where to go for mental health services in case you or someone you know needs them.
  • What services are available, including how to access mental health crisis support.
  • How to make an appointment, if needed.
  • If there is a fee.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Go online to chat.988lifeline.org to start a chat.
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers or having this website in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information.

To find support in your area, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline. It provides free, confidential information 24 hours a day for those who have mental health conditions or substance use disorders and their families.