The purpose of Depression Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the prevalence of depression and the warning signs and symptoms that can be seen in young adults. But with all of the pandemic’s effects on mental health, there is a constant need to spread awareness about depression.
According to the American College Health Association’s (ACHA’s) National College Health Assessment, 30% of college students said they felt so depressed it was difficult to function. College students continue to be severely affected by depression on a physical and emotional level as the pandemic’s effects are seen in the new everyday routine and the manner that schools are run securely.
Student Depression In Colleges
Let’s define depression first. According to the Mayo Clinic, major depression is a mood illness that lasts for at least two weeks and results in persistent feelings of melancholy and loss of interest. Now and again, it’s acceptable to feel depressed and hopeless, although these emotions usually pass quickly. People who have depression are unique. They are continually overcome by emotions of sadness and emptiness, which eventually start to interfere with daily tasks.
Students in college are especially prone to depression. It can be impossible to manage everything when there is such intense demand to combine academics, social life, extracurricular activities, and mental health. They may be living away from their usual support network and home for the first time at this point.
Even the most driven, enthusiastic, and goal-oriented person occasionally experiences a lack of motivation (ER, 2020). Students switched to online learning when the epidemic prompted college and university campuses to close, adding to the already stressful experience of attending college. As a result, many students experienced emotions of loneliness and future uncertainty and started to show signs of depression. Young persons without a history of mental illness reported experiencing depressive symptoms during the pandemic, according to a recent study by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
Managing depression among college students: 7 tips
According to data collected from March through May 2020, 40.9% of students reported having depression, and 30.5% claimed that their mental health had a detrimental impact on their academic performance. According to Active Minds data from September 2020, 60.7% of students reported having dealt with depression since the pandemic began. Accessing a counselling centre or mental health services on college campuses became more difficult for students as a result of the pandemic. Here are seven ideas for maintaining mental health and well-being as depression among college students continues to rise.
1. Consult a specialist
Even in its most severe manifestations, depression is treatable, according to the NIMH. However, the earlier therapy starts, the more effective it will be. This is why it’s crucial to consult a mental health expert who can identify the problem, identify any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms, and suggest a course of action. Depression can be treated with medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Even if visiting a clinic in person is not a possibility, a virtual visit is a fantastic way to start the dialogue.
2. Get enough rest
The National Sleep Foundation advises that healthy young adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, although everybody is different. By allowing the body to recover, getting adequate sleep promotes both physical and mental health. You’ve probably heard that getting a “good night’s sleep” is advised before a big day because of this. It genuinely alters things. Students can also take Essay Help Uk online to get their work pressure reduced.
3. Practice being mindful.
Due to the numerous obligations, they must juggle to succeed academically and socially, college students frequently become disoriented and lose their focus. Because of this, mindfulness, which is defined as remaining alert and attentive in the present moment, can be extremely beneficial for those who are trying to manage depression and other mental health difficulties. Meditation, breathing exercises, taking part in a yoga session, utilizing a mindfulness app, or even hearing a mindfulness podcast are all ways to practice mindfulness. These are excellent methods for including self-care and mental wellness in regular activities.
4. Watch how you handle stress
It can be difficult to balance all of the obligations placed on college students. Depression is more likely to occur in those who experience significant stress, and maintaining academic achievement and making new acquaintances are two common key stressors in college. Stress can be a bigger problem for students who are juggling obligations to their families, jobs, and other activities outside of school. It is also very beneficial if students hire Essay Editing Service Uk instead of doing it. It’s critical to determine which stress-reduction strategies suit each kid. Stress management techniques include journalism, exercise, support networks, and diet.
5. Avoid using drugs and drinking
Drug and alcohol abuse can easily develop into a problem due to the pressure placed on students to achieve academically while also attempting to blend in with the party scene on many college campuses. Additionally, many young adults have turned to alcohol and drugs in the previous year to deal with their mental health issues. In 2004, the Harvard School of Public Health found that 81.7% of students who reported mental illness and/or despair also drank alcohol. Substance addiction is frequently used as a form of self-medication for depressive and mental health symptoms. Although this coping strategy might provide temporary respite, it will ultimately worsen symptoms and should be avoided.
6. Boost nutrition
It can be challenging to eat healthily at college. As a result of preparing for a test or having a crowded schedule, a student could even forget to eat. As a result, it can not seem practical to make good food choices. However, what you eat can have a significant impact, and there are a variety of quick, wholesome foods and snacks that can enhance both your physical and mental wellness.
7. bolster bonds with family and friends
Social support is essential for maintaining mental wellness. A student’s buddy or a dependable family member can be a wonderful support system if they are experiencing depression. Social distance measures make it simple to feel alone and far from loved ones. Staying in touch with the people who mean most requires being innovative (e.g., through online game nights, video conferences, or virtual reading clubs) or going back to tried-and-true techniques (e.g., letters, phone calls, and group texts).
