One of the more under-discussed topics among young adults is the frequency of depression and university students. Research shows that a higher percentage of university students are faced with depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is a serious, treatable medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, behave, or think. It is often connected with a loss of interest in regular activities and being in a sad state.

What Are The Causes Of Depression Among University Students?

Oftentimes, students are not adequately prepared for university workload as they constantly find it hard to strike a balance between academics, seminars, hangouts, extra-curricular activities, and mental health. The burdensome workload makes them prone to depression as most of them are away from home for the first time. American College Health Association (ACHA) confirms that 41.9 per cent of students fall into depression.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression Among University Students?

Having stated the causes of depression among university students, the symptoms must be stated as well to easily detect people in such a state of mind. The symptoms include anxiety, self-harm/suicide, lack of appetite, feeling sad, unwarranted anger, withdrawing from your social support network, loss of energy or increased fatigue and weight gain or weight loss.

How To Manage Depression Among University Students

A popular quote by Susan Polis Schutz says, ‘Getting better from depression demands a lifelong commitment.’ Yes, depression is a serious medical illness, but it is treatable and manageable. Therapy is known as a way of managing depression. However, it is not the only way. There are other medically proven ways to manage depression, especially among university students. We have put together effective strategies that help to manage depression among university students below.

1. Participate in talk therapy. The National Alliance on Mental Illness affirms that school counselling services and support help students in their academic endeavours. The counselling centre creates special accommodation for depressed students. In this regard, university students should contact their campus-counselling centre if they find themselves in a depressed state, a therapist can help to discover any medical problems that may be causing symptoms and suggest a treatment plan.
2. Regular body exercise. Mayo Clinic identifies that exercise can help ease depression as it releases satisfying endorphins and natural cannabis-like brain chemicals that augment the sense of well-being. The good thing is that every university has recreational resources for students, such as swimming pools, weight rooms, and gyms. These resources are available for students to exercise their body and minds, and in turn, it helps build confidence and groom a healthy lifestyle.
3. Sleep Adequately. Adults should sleep for at least 7 hours at night, as it helps to boost mental and physical productivity. Lack of sleep affects one’s mental and physical well-being, which could lead to mood swings and depression. As a university student, do not let your busy schedules rob you of a healthy sleep pattern.
4. Avoid the intake of hard drugs and alcohol. The norm among university students is that alcohol and drugs help them relax and think properly. This claim is false. Alcohol and drug use have adverse effects on students, especially depressed students, as it could worsen an underlying mental health condition. As a student, it is important to embrace a healthy lifestyle and do away with the intake of drugs and alcohol.
5. Have a healthy food lifestyle. It seems almost impossible to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a student when the majority of the food consumed is junk. As students, it is important to cultivate a healthy food routine no matter the busy schedule. Grabbing a bite of an apple or banana counts towards a healthy lifestyle, as it contains helpful nutrients for the body. Lack of nutrients in food contributes to depression, as the body is not getting the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals needed.

In conclusion, depression is a mental illness that affects individuals, especially university students faced with everyday circumstances. Anyone with depression exhibits certain symptoms like feeling sad and self-harm. The illness can be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the intake of hard drugs and alcohol.

If depression is getting in the way of living your best life, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation and treatment.  Well Coast Medical has mental health specialists that are ready to help! We offer depression therapy and depression treatment, so call us at (833) 931-1716 to learn more when you are ready to take your first step outside the darkness and into the light.