Depression and College Students

Many people experience the first symptoms of depression during their college years. Unfortunately, many college students who have depression aren’t getting the help they need. They may not know where to go for help, or they may believe that treatment won’t help. Others don’t get help because they think their symptoms are just part of the typical stress of college, or they worry about being judged if they seek mental health care.

In reality,

• Depression is a medical illness and treatments can be very effective
• Early diagnosis and treatment of depression can relieve depression symptoms, prevent depression from returning, and help students succeed in college and after graduation.

Types:

1. Major depressive disorder—Also called major depression.

2. Dysthymic disorder—Mild, chronic depression.
3. Minor depression—similar to major depression and dysthymia.

Other types of depression include:

1. Psychotic depression—severe depression accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions
2. Seasonal affective disorder—depression that begins during the winter months and lifts during spring and summer.

Signs and symptoms

• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Problems concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions
• Problems falling sleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
• Loss of appetite or eating too much
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
• Aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not go away.

Causes of depression

• Living away from family for the first time
• Feeling alone or isolated
• Experiencing conflict in relationships
• Love failures
• Facing new and sometimes difficult college work
• Worrying about finances.
• Failures in exams.

To overcome depression

• Try to see a professional as soon as possible
• Give treatment a fair chance—attend sessions and follow your doctor’s or therapist’s advice,
• Break up large tasks into small ones, and do what you can as you can; try not to do too many things at once
• Spend time with other people and talk to a friend or relative about your feelings
• Do not make important decisions until you feel better; talk about decisions with others whom you trust and who know you well
• Engage in mild physical activity or exercise
• Participate in activities that you used to enjoy
• Expect your mood to improve gradually with treatment
• Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.

Reference

1. URL:http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-and-college-students/index.shtml

Prepared by:

Mr. Deepak.K

Assistant Professor

Manikaka Topawala Institute of nursing

CHARUSAT, Campus Changa

Mob: 9173804844

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