Depression is becoming a more widespread epidemic among college students and affects a large portion of the student population. According to a recent study, around 20% of college students reported feeling depressed at least once in the previous year. And this is what our cheap essay writer online service tries to prevent by offering professional assistance to all in need.
What’s Special About College Depression?
While there is no single reason for student depression, there are a few things that can be considered red flags that point to depression, like:
- Trouble sleeping;
- Trouble completing homework;
- Fatigue;
- Lack of energy;
- Appetite changes;
- Decreased social activity;
- Being sad or feeling blue;
- Thoughts of death or suicide;
- Thoughts of harming oneself.
University is stressful enough for students who go to college without living with the looming threat of depression. If you or someone you know has been experiencing signs of depression, these are some red flags to keep your focus on, as well as ideas on how to cope with it.
Is Depression a Risk Factor for College Students?
Aspiring young adults who want to pursue post-secondary education in college may be tempted to put the cart before the horse when considering the connection between depression and their dreams of higher education. According to the American Psychological Association, the reality is that studies have found no relationship between depression and college attendance, although some depression can make it harder for students to learn and thrive in college. In the same article, the association states that the vast majority of college students do not seek help with depression either because they don’t see themselves as having any kind of a problem or because they don’t want to be perceived as weak.
If you are experiencing these symptoms of depression, don’t ignore them. It is important to talk to a professional in order to be able to get help before it becomes a serious problem. Here are some recommendations for you to keep yourself out of this cycle and stop any depression before it starts.
1. Know the Warning Signs
The first step is to know the warning signs. Do you ever get so depressed that you can’t even leave your room? Do you ever feel so much stress that it actually hurts? Do you sometimes lose track of what you’re doing? If you’re encountering any of these symptoms of depression, you need to make sure that you’re talking to someone about it before you lose yourself in it and let it get out of control.
2. Understand Your Feelings
Many people who are depressed have a sense of self-loathing. This means that they may sometimes get so sad that they feel as if they’re worthless. This is because they may feel like they have nothing to be proud of.
But the truth is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You have never done anything that deserves to be criticized. Being depressed does not make you a bad person. It is because you feel trapped in the life that you have, in the relationships that you have, and in the place that you are at. That’s where you have the opportunity to break free and create a new life for yourself.
3. Talk to a Professional
In the case of self-destructive behaviors like cutting, alcohol, or drug abuse, the National Institute of Mental Health says that talking to a therapist could be the best option for dealing with these issues. A psychologist or counselor is trained to understand depression and the negative thoughts that come along with it. They can talk to you about how you can manage your mood and improve your relationships and communication skills.
4. Know the Signs of Suicide
Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among college students. This means that you should be constantly aware of the signs of suicide and make sure to avoid them. Do you ever think about killing yourself? It is essential to avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations because you can’t always plan out everything. Your best bet is to talk to a professional who can guide you in how to avoid suicidal thoughts.
5. Reach out to People
Talking to people is what most college students try to avoid because they feel like they are going to be judged. The truth is that there is no one to judge you, and people will definitely notice how you’re not doing well. If you are feeling upset or even if you’re fine, talk to someone. A friend or family member might be able to help you in a better way than a therapist. They know what’s going on in your head and how to help.
