Going to campus is a dream for many. But when you are away from home, trying to get used to a new environment, new lessons, and new friends, sometimes you feel a lot of pressure and burden, right? The pressure that comes with these new challenges can make some students depressed. We call this condition ``Depression``. In fact, this has become very common now. So, today we will talk about what this depression is, what are its symptoms, and what you can do to overcome this condition.
What are the factors that contribute to depression at a young age?
Research generally finds that most mental health problems begin to emerge between the ages of 18 and 24. That's right around the time you go to college. There's no single cause for depression. But there are several common factors that can affect you as a college student.
1. New environment and loneliness
For many, campus life is their first time away from home for an extended period of time. While it's a great time to learn new things and build their identity, it's also common to feel homesick and lonely at times. Imagine, after eating at your mom's house for so long and living in your own room, suddenly having to share a room with someone else in a hostel, making new friends, and working alone. With these changes, things like your diet and sleep may even be disrupted. When all of this comes together, it can be very stressful .
2. Genetic influence and personality
If someone in your family has had depression, you are at a higher risk of developing it. This is because this condition can also be passed down through genes. However, not everyone develops depression just because they have genes. Also, your personality can affect this. For example, if you have low self-esteem and worry a lot about small things, you are more likely to develop depression. If you have a habit of looking at everything pessimistically, that can also affect you.
3. Surrounding environment and social influence
Depression and anxiety are very common among college students these days. According to a survey, almost half of college students suffer from these conditions. So, if other friends in your environment are depressed and stressed, it can affect you too. These feelings can make you feel even more alone and isolated from others.
Do you have these symptoms too? (Symptoms of depression)
Not everyone with depression experiences the same symptoms. But take a moment to see if you're experiencing any of these symptoms. If you've been experiencing one or more of these symptoms for a long time, it's important to pay attention.
| Symptom | To explain simply... |
|---|---|
| Weakness | I'm always tired and don't feel like doing anything. |
| Difficulty concentrating | I can't remember what I'm studying, and it's hard to focus on one thing. |
| Getting angry quickly | I get angry over even the smallest things, and I feel like I'm in trouble. |
| Sleep problems | Either you can't sleep at night (insomnia), or you're sleepy all day. |
| Eating changes | They either don't eat because they have an appetite, or they eat more than they should. |
| Loss of interest in anything | I don't feel like doing things I used to enjoy (e.g. listening to music, watching movies, talking to friends) anymore. |
| Pessimistic feelings | Feeling guilty about yourself, feeling hopeless, feeling useless, feeling empty. |
| Body aches | I keep getting headaches and body aches for no particular reason. |
| Thoughts of ending your life | This is a very dangerous symptom that requires urgent attention. |
How does depression affect campus life?
Depression can affect your entire life. It can be a major obstacle to your academic performance . For some students, it can make them so depressed that they can't even complete their daily tasks.
Unable to handle this pressure, some people turn to bad things. For example, they may become addicted to alcohol or drugs. This pressure increases especially during exam times and when assignment deadlines are approaching.
People with depression may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex .
Most importantly, depression is a major risk factor for suicide, the third leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 15 and 24.
So if you recognize that you have these symptoms, never hesitate to ask for help. There are many ways to get help.
What can be done to get out of this situation?
If you think you have depression, there are places and ways to get help. Don't suffer alone.
1. Get professional help: The best thing to do is to talk to a doctor about this. Many universities have health centers just for students. You can talk to the mental health professionals there. They will give you the guidance you need.
2. Treatment: The main treatment for depression is psychotherapy/talk therapy. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants along with counseling.
3. Self-care: While seeking medical advice, there are many things you can do for yourself.
- Sleep well: Try to get 7-9 hours of good sleep a day.
- Eat well: Eat a nutritious, healthy diet. This will energize your body and mind.
- Exercise: Take some time to exercise every day. Walk, run, play a sport you like. This will give you a lot of relief.
- Stay away from alcohol and drugs: These can make your depression worse.
- Talk about your feelings: Don't keep your feelings bottled up. Talk about your feelings with a trusted friend or family member.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel stressed, sad, and lonely during campus life. Don't be ashamed of it.
- Identify if you have symptoms of depression (persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep and eating).
- Don't keep these feelings to yourself. Talking to someone you trust can be a great relief.
- See a doctor immediately. Ask for help from the campus medical center or your family doctor. That's the best thing you can do.
- If you are having suicidal thoughts, please tell someone close to you right away, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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