College is an exciting time for many young people. Many college students often feel stressed due to the new challenges that come with college—being away from home, studying, and adjusting to a new life. Trying to cope with so many new changes can cause some students to suffer from depression. Research shows that more students now suffer from depression than previous generations. Let’s learn about the symptoms of depression and how to manage your mental health. ##Common Causes of Depression Research shows that many mental health conditions begin to appear in individuals starting between the ages of 18 and 24. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 75 percent of people with anxiety disorders will begin experiencing symptoms before the age of 22. College is a common time when many people experience the first signs of depression. Depression is often accompanied by feelings of sadness or anxiety. It is important to note that there is no single cause of depression, but there are several common factors among college students. **A new environment. ** For many college students, college is their first time living away from home for an extended period of time. While this can be an exciting time for you to explore your identity and grow as a person, it’s also common to deal with feelings of homesickness or overwhelm. **It may take some time to adjust to changes, such as living with roommates or meeting new people. ** Living on your own for the first time, you may not have the same healthy eating and sleeping habits as you do at home. These factors, combined with an even more unpredictable schedule, can make you stressed. **Genetics and Personality. **Your family history may be related to your depression, as depression can be inherited. Your genes may be linked to depression, but not everyone with these genes will develop symptoms of depression. **Your personality can also play a role. ** People with low self-esteem and low stress tolerance are more likely to suffer from depression. It’s also true that if you already have a pessimistic view of things, you’re more likely to experience depression. **Surround yourself with depressed people. ** Depression is more common among college students these days. You are more likely to feel depressed if you are in an environment where you are surrounded by people who are also suffering from depression. A recent study found that half of the students surveyed showed signs of depression and/or anxiety. Feelings of depression and anxiety can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and stress. ##Signs of Depression Not everyone experiences the same symptoms of depression. However, there are some signs you can watch for: - Lack of energy - Difficulty concentrating or remembering things - Irritability - Insomnia - Sleeping too much - Loss of appetite or overeating - Loss of interest in activities you enjoy - Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, Worthlessness, emptiness, sadness, anxiety, helplessness or restlessness - Pain, cramps that do not get better - Suicidal thoughts##Depression-related tests - Beck Depression Inventory BDI-IA - SDS Self-Rating Depression Scale Free Online Test - Burns Depression Checklist (BDC) - Depression Test Scale PHQ-9 Free Online Test ##How depression affects college students Depression can damage your health. Your academic performance may also suffer as a result. Some students even report feeling so depressed that they find it difficult to function and carry out daily tasks. Depression among college students can lead to bad habits. Some people turn to alcohol or drug abuse to cope with stress and other negative emotions. This may increase toward the end of the semester when deadlines and course loads become more onerous. While students with depression do not necessarily drink more than their peers, they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex. They may also turn to street drugs to cope with their emotions. Most worryingly, depression is a risk factor for suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 years. If you realize you have feelings or symptoms of depression, there are many ways to get help and treatment. ##How to Treat College Depression If you are experiencing college depression, there are many ways to get help. Colleges and universities have wellness centers on campus where you can talk to a mental health professional. This is the best place to start. These health centers may offer you limited treatment, but they can refer you to other mental health professionals in your community. The most common treatment for depression is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also give you an antidepressant along with treatment. In addition to getting professional help, it’s important to take care of yourself at home. Make sure you get enough sleep, seven to nine hours a night. Try to eat healthy, nutritious foods to fuel your body and spend some time each day getting some exercise. Alcohol and drugs can make your depression worse. Try to find other ways to manage stress, such as spending time with friends or participating in activities you enjoy. Most importantly, don’t try to hide your feelings. Talk to friends and family about how you’re feeling and how they can help you feel better. ##Conclusion Depression is not a shameful disease, nor is it an insurmountable obstacle. As long as you have enough courage and confidence, you can defeat depression and regain happiness and hope. Hope this article can be helpful to you.
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