The College Student's Guide to Depression
Key Takeaways
- Depression can affect college students’ concentration, motivation, sleep, decision-making, and ability to complete assignments and tests.
- Common signs include persistent sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in usual activities, changes in appetite or sleep, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Students who experience symptoms for 2 weeks or longer should speak with a therapist, primary care doctor, psychiatrist, or other qualified mental health professional.
- Support is available through resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, The Jed Foundation, NAMI, support groups, and FindTreatment.gov.
Depression can affect anyone at any time, and college students are no exception. When it does occur, depression among college students can affect their ability to focus, study, and successfully complete assignments and tests, along with a variety of other debilitating symptoms.
How do you know whether what you or a loved one is experiencing is depression? And if it is, what’s next? This guide explains possible common causes of depression in college students, how to seek treatment, and resources if you or someone you know might be experiencing signs of depression.
What Is Depression?
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines depression as a serious mental health condition that can adversely affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, behavior, and view of the world. Depression can manifest differently in each person, and symptoms are usually long-lasting and vary from mild to severe feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy.
Grief Is Different Than Depression
Although difficult, experiencing grief-related sadness is normal, according to the APA. Sadness experienced during the grieving process tends to come and go in waves. With depression, feeling sad is sustained for 2 weeks or more and is often accompanied by feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing.
How Common Is Depression?
One out of every six adults experiences depression at some point in their lifetime, making it a common disorder. The World Health Organization reports that approximately 332 million people worldwide live with depression. Depression can cause other problems, according to the APA, including:
- Sleep troubles
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
What Causes Depression?
Depression can be caused by both internal and external factors. Adapting to major life events, even positive ones such as beginning college, can be difficult for some people. Common causes of depression, as reported by the APA, follow.
Biochemistry
Chemicals in the brain can affect your likelihood of experiencing depression.
Genetics
Research suggests that genetics can influence a person’s risk, along with life experiences and environmental factors.
Personality
People with these personality characteristics are more likely to experience depression:
- Low self-esteem
- Pessimistic outlook on life
- Difficulty coping with stress
Environment
External factors, such as exposure to violence, abuse, or suffering a significant loss, can also increase an individual’s risk of developing depression.
Signs of Depression in College Students
Anyone can experience occasional symptoms of depression. Thirty-seven percent of college students were found to have symptoms of depression, according to a study by The Healthy Minds Network.
Displaying or expressing negative emotions or feelings is one of the first signs of depression, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says. It’s best to have a doctor or a mental health professional diagnose depression.
Signs of depression can include the following symptoms, but there are others, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- Persistent feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Unexpected changes in appetite
- Diminished interest in participating in activities that are usually enjoyed
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Having difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- Unexplained physical pain
Should You Track Your Depression Symptoms?
If you start to experience some of these symptoms, tracking how you feel each day can help you gain insight into your mood and well-being. Then, you can discuss your symptoms with a doctor or mental health specialist more accurately. Tools such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Wellness Tracker could help.
Be sure to note any life changes that accompanied or preceded your symptoms. This could help a professional identify potential causes of your depression.
What to Do if You Think You're Depressed
Treat depression as early as possible. If you have experienced symptoms of depression for 2 weeks or longer, be sure to speak with a professional therapist, primary care doctor, or psychiatrist. They can accurately diagnose depression.
If you are diagnosed with depression, they can help treat you and uncover other medical issues that could be causing or contributing to your symptoms. Mental Health America reports that more than 80% of people have positive outcomes after being treated for depression.
Treating Depression
Depression can be treated with medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Various types of therapy can be tailored to your unique situation.
A doctor or therapist may recommend that you meet with a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication that may address your symptoms.
Practice Self-Care
In addition to seeking professional help, practicing self-care is important to help lessen the effects of depression. While not intended to replace professional care, self-care includes:
- Getting adequate sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7 or more hours of sleep per night.
- Taking care of your health and wellness on a regular basis
- Eating nutritious foods
- Practicing digital wellness and reducing your screen time before bed
- Moving your body. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week and do muscle-conditioning activities at least twice a week.
- Avoiding alcohol. It’s a depressant that can worsen the symptoms of depression.
- Managing stress. Spend time with supportive friends and family members and participate in enjoyable hobbies. Learn more stress management tips for college students.
While these self-care tips are important, it's best to consult an expert for help if you think you are experiencing depression.
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Are You Having Thoughts of Suicide?
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The line is available 24/7. You can talk with someone for free and get resources to help you. All calls are confidential.
Mental Health Resources Are Available
Remember, if you are experiencing depression, you're not alone. It can happen at any time, and it may be a recurring experience. Many resources are available to college students for help, including the following.
Mental Health Resources for College Students
Call, text, or chat for help if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Dial 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors. All calls are confidential, and the service is free.
This website has resources dedicated to mental health for college students, including how to help a friend who might be depressed.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Find a support group for depression, including ones that are online or over the phone.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Get information on depression, find online tools, and connect with support groups.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Call 800-950-6264 or text "NAMI" to 62640 for free support Monday through Friday between 10 am and 10 pm ET. You can also visit the website for resources on depression.
Note: Message and data rates may apply, depending on your plan and provider.
Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national helpline at 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) or use the treatment services locator.
The Veterans Crisis Line offers support to veterans, servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve members, or those who support them. Call 988 and press 1, or send a text to 838255. They also offer a chat option on their website. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use this service.
Note: Message and data rates may apply, depending on your plan and provider.
Additional Resources
If you’d like to learn more about depression and its treatment or how to help a family member or friend, here are some additional resources to get you started:
Chronic Illness and Mental Health (NIMH)
Depression and Complementary Health Approaches (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)
Antidepressants (MedlinePlus)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (NIMH)
Depression: Supporting a Family Member or Friend (Mayo Clinic)
Remember: You Are Not Alone
Talk with your primary care doctor or mental health professional, or contact one of the mental health resources listed above for help with depression. You don't have to face depression alone, and addressing mental health concerns can help you have a successful college experience.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.