Most college students in America are unaware of the signs of depression as well as the many ways to cope with the mental illness.
Depression is one of the most commonly declared illnesses in America. Over 50 percent of these cases fall between the ages of 18 and 24 or, more specifically, college students.
One out of four college students suffer from a diagnosed mental illness, and four in five show signs of depression; furthermore, 44 percent of these people will never report their symptoms.
Today’s college students live in a society where the pressure of school isn’t the core of their attention.
“[College students] have to deal with financial aid, the pressure of getting good grade for their future, pleasing their parents and holding a job, especially if they are doing both full-time,” says Rachel Mock, a student at Southeast Community College in Lincoln.
Mock touched base on the financial and school pressures of being a college student, but along with all of this, comes social pressures such as friends, significant others, extracurricular activities and the adjustment of living in the real world.
Depression is an illness that is near impossible to prevent. Time management skills and not taking on more than one can handle are ways to possibly lessen the chances of the reactors in the brain being set off.
According to Therese J. Borchard, associate editor of PsychCentral.com, there are many signs of depression that are recognizable. Those are as followed:
• Prolonged feelings of sadness
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of appetite or eating too much
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Loss of libido
• Self-Esteem troubles
• Thoughts of suicide or other drastic measures
• Irritability or excessive crying
• Chronic aches or pain (can’t be explained medically)
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
The first step in curing or coping with depression is recognizing the signs.
After recognizing the signs, the next step is to discover where the depression is stemming from.
It is most commonly discovered wherever there is the most stress.
The next step is finding help, and approximately 80 percent of people that seek the appropriate treatment for their illness learn to function in a way they were able to in the past.
A good way to start treatment is surrounding yourself with positive energy.
When Mock feels herself overwhelmed with her daily life she tries “not to think of the things that make [her] depressed or stressed.”
Vickie Waterman, a grandmother of three college students and a woman who has suffered with depression most of her life, says, “I try to find one thing every day to laugh about.”
Spending time around friends and family is a good way to stay positive. Confiding in these people about depression is also healthy.
If family and friends are not appropriate for confiding in, then counseling or support groups are encouraged.
Talking is key.
After talking with a counselor about the best options, considering antidepressants, which are used by one in ten Americans, could be a possible step.
Lastly, take a break! Take some time off classes or take on a smaller schedule.
It is all about setting realistic goals and making yourself comfortable.
At this time in a person’s life, time is in your favor. Slow things down and get yourself set back on the track before plunging through.