One of the topics people rarely talk about is the effects of depression in university. When you look at campus brochures, there are images of people smiling and working together; giving the impression that life is supposed to be smooth on campus. The reality is that it is not always the case. There are people who admit that they struggled with mental health issues without knowing how to navigate.
Causes of Depression on Campus
There are many causes of depression and you need to be self-aware for you not to sink in. One of the biggest reasons people struggle with depression in university is low grades. To avoid this, you need to come up with a solid study plan that allows you to catch up with the academics without waiting to a point where you are feeling overwhelmed. You should also consult with your course adviser before picking courses so that you do not end up getting courses that are not a good fit for you.
Another cause of depression among university students is personal issues. This can be anything from relationships, trouble with roommates, feeling lonely and not being able to fit in among peers. There are people who also struggle with their finances, especially those who have taken loans or are not able to save enough to sustain their lifestyle. For some, just the feeling of being away from home for the first time, or the anxiety of not knowing what lies ahead after university can trigger depression.
How to Deal With Depression on Campus
The first step is to do some self-analysis and find out what is causing your depression. Self-awareness will make it easier for you to seek help if you are going through depression or stress on campus. You should also consider creating close relationships with friends who you can talk to about your situation. Do not be afraid of reaching out to your family if you feel overwhelmed. Almost all universities have a trained counsellor that you can talk to about what is troubling you. Most of them have probably handled a case similar to yours and will offer sustainable solutions. If you feel that your situation is making it difficult for you to function, you should probably seek professional therapy.
Always remember to speak out. Reassure yourself that it is normal to feel blue when things are not working out, but above all, it is normal to seek help.