Help for Depressed College Students

Laurie Pawlik Kienlen, Psychology Feature Writer, Bruce Kienlen

Posted by
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
Oct 5, 2009

A college student recently asked for help on my Recognizing the Signs of Depression article. Here are a few thoughts, plus links to articles that offer help for depressed college students...

Help for Depressed College Students

Accept the "ups and downs" of life. Since I don't know your exact circumstances or type of depression, I can't speak specifically to you -- but I do know that emotional ups and downs are a normal part of any adult's life. You will have great days, and you will have bad days. Even the happiest, sunniest, lightest personalities deal with periods of sadness and meloncholy....it's just part of being human, and of human angst.

Be prepared for the emotional lows or periods of depression. If you know you have cycles of good and bad days, then prepare for those bouts of depression. What helped you cope with depression in the past? Set yourself up to deal with your depression by

Figure out the extent of your depression. Are you clinically depressed, as diagnosed by a psychologist or doctor? Are you prone to bouts of meloncholy and existential angst, but not necessarily "depressed" as defined by a doctor? Do you struggle with seasonal affective disorder? (If you don't know, read Signs and Treatments of Seasonal Affective Disorder). Have you struggled with depression all your life? The sooner you figure out the type of depression you're dealing with, the sooner you can find the treatment that works.

Figure out how your external circumstances affect your mood. Sometimes our environments -- where we live, who we live with, how much and the type of energy we're surrounded with -- contributes to depression. And, sometimes depression comes from our own selves (genetics, personality, hormonal makeup). Or, it could be a combination of the two. This is why it's important to figure out the cause of your depression! But, your depression may be lifted if you change your external circumstances -- such as moving back home if you live in a dorm. Or it may not matter where you live....this is something you need to figure out; a counselor, objective family member, or wise, mature peer might help with that.

Articles for Depressed College Students

If you're seriously depressed, please get help from the health organization on your campus! Reading articles about depression is good for college students, but it won't necessarily end depression.