Dealing with Depression in College
What to do When You’re Not Feeling Yourself
College can be a challenging, stressful time. It’s a time of significant changes and new experiences, so it’s ok to experience some stress or feel overwhelmed from time to time. These feelings are usually fleeting, so most students can get through them without difficulty. But for some students, the stress of college and other challenges, such as financial hardship, can trigger depression. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to manage your depression so that it doesn’t negatively impact your life.
Observe your eating patterns.
Ensure you are eating enough because maintaining a balanced diet in a dorm with restricted access to a kitchen can be challenging. You can feel more robust and better able to handle stress if you eat healthily. Consider making some healthy food adjustments if you notice that your diet has become less nutritious since you entered college.
Talk to someone you trust.
Talking about your feelings can occasionally be challenging, particularly if you feel ashamed or embarrassed about your sadness. To help you release those sentiments, talking to someone about what you’re going through can be really beneficial. It can be simpler to process your feelings and decide what to do next if you talk to someone you trust, such as a friend or a family member. You can also find help online if you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know.
Don’t let yourself fall into a cycle of negativity.
It’s simple to become caught up in a cycle of depressing thoughts and feelings when you’re depressed. Keep a mood journal at this time so you can monitor your emotions and see how they change over time. You can try to break the cycle of negativity if you see something negatively affecting your daily life by taking yourself out of the loop.
Go for a run or go to the gym.
Endorphins are released during exercise, which makes you feel better psychologically and physically. Additionally, it can aid in stress relief and general energization. You could feel less motivated to exercise than you did previously if you’ve been dealing with depression. You shouldn’t force yourself to do something you don’t want to do because this is normal. Start with something more manageable, like a short jog or a yoga session, if you’re hesitant to go to the gym or engage in other intense activities.
Try self-care activities that make you feel good.
When you’re depressed, it’s simple to become preoccupied with unfavorable ideas. It might be challenging to ignore these ideas, and it can be challenging to feel content or happy in your life. Self-care practices might assist you in shifting your focus from these negative thoughts to something more uplifting and pleasurable. For instance, having a soothing bath or going for a walk outdoors can be quite restorative. Daily meditation or a CBT audio session in the Sensera app can also help combat depression and stress.
For many students, college can be a difficult and stressful period, which can occasionally cause depressive symptoms. It’s crucial to monitor your eating patterns, get enough exercise, and schedule time for relaxing self-care activities. Talking to a trusted friend or relative about your feelings and keeping a journal of your negative cycles can be beneficial. With these techniques, you can control your depression and continue your academic progress.
