Having depression isn’t easy. Starting college isn’t any easier. Dealing with both? Probably sounds impossible. But I’m here to tell you it’s not.
I began freshman year terrified about how my depression was going to change and affect me.I worried about not having the energy to take on all the extra responsibilities that come with living on campus and being in college classes. There were days – are days – where getting out of bed feels like the most difficult thing in the world. Depression can be harder to manage in college – but it isn’t impossible. Here’s a few tips on how to take care of yourself and your mental health to make sure you have the best college experience.
Join organizations. If there’s a mental health awareness club on your campus, Join it. At my first Cause for Conversation meeting, I was only there because I had nothing better to do, but by the end of the night I was a member. Over the course of the year, I attended meetings and events with the group and got closer to my fellow officers and members. Being surrounded by people who struggled with the same things I did made me feel a lot better and less alone. I had people that understood me and I could vent to them when I was feeling down.
Make friends. It seems obvious but having friends that know you and know your struggles can make those struggles far more bearable. When I’m down, my friends are always there to drag me out of bed and to the Student Union for food. They listen to me complain about missing home and then distract me by forcing me to play card games or rest in our hammocks in the quad. Having people I love around me makes me feel more comfortable in my own skin when comfort isn’t the easiest thing to come by. You can meet new people at the various connection points and events that happen on campus, as well as in your classes – you can bond over how neither of you understand what’s going on.
Find a hobby or something to do that keeps you busy when your classes don’t. It can be something on campus – sports, theater, work – or it can be something you can do from the comfort of your dorm bed, like video games or reading. Pick something that keeps you busy but is also fun and relaxing for you. Personally, when depression hits me the hardest I open my laptop and start up a game of The Sims. It’s a distraction that keeps my mind from wandering too far and entertains me(two words – pool ladders.)
Seeking professional help is always an important step in dealing with depression as well. MTSU’s counseling services can be found in room 326-S of the Keathley University Center, where they offer short-term counseling and referrals to longer-term services. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also always available to call at 1-800-273-8255, and it also offers an online chat option.
Depression is never an easy thing to deal with, especially with the high-stress environment of college. But when you’re down, remember this – you may have depression, but depression does not have you.