To begin this article, I want to make something very clear. I am by no means a doctor or a professional in terms of mental illness. I am basing my advice purely on my own experiences with having depression while attending college.
There are several steps to take if you believe you are depressed, but your first step is to educate yourself. In the next couple of paragraphs, I have included some basic knowledge regarding depression that I hope you will find helpful.
If you think you are depressed, the most important thing I want you to take away from this article is the knowledge that you are NOT crazy. When I first felt that I may be depressed I did not want to let anyone know, and definitely did not want to seek help. I had believed the stigma surrounding mental illness and thought that by getting help I would be admitting I was crazy, and if anyone found out they would believe I was crazy as well. This is so false. Thinking you’re depressed and, or being depressed does not make you crazy and you should never let anyone make you feel like you are. What you’re going through is real and it is based on several different factors.
Speaking of different factors, depression can be caused by a number of different things, and those things vary from person to person. Often times, it’s a combination of variables that cause an individual to become depressed. What many people don’t know is that depression is hereditary. If members of your family suffer from depression, it increases the chances that you too will experience depression in your lifetime. Women in my family have history of depression and anxiety, knowing that, helped me face the reality that the feeling I had that I may be depressed was probably correct. Other factors that can contribute to depression include stress, relationships (romantic and platonic), grief and life circumstances.
Something you must understand is that depression is more than just feeling sad or down; depression is a chemical imbalance in your brain and is a serious illness. The keyword in that last sentence being ILLNESS. The thing most people do not understand is that even if they cannot physically see your illness, it is still very much present.
Identify your depression. Like I said previously, depression is more than simply being sad or down. My first suggestion to you is to evaluate what is going on in your life. This includes finding out about your family history and tracking possible hormone changes. If you still think you may be depressed it’s time to talk to someone.
The next step is to talk to someone, someone you trust. This person can be anyone you feel comfortable sharing this with. I recommend a trusted family member such as a parent and a doctor. Then, I spoke to my mom about it. We went to the doctor together. Telling the doctor everything I was going through and feeling lifted a weight off my shoulders. Having my mom there made it easier. Talking about it is hard, but I guarantee you will feel better afterwards.
The reason I strongly recommend seeking a doctors help is because they will know how to best help you. Depression is not something you have to battle alone. Just like everyone’s struggle is different, everyone’s treatment plan is different as well. Some people work well with going to sessions with a therapist or counselor, others work best with medication and still others utilize both options simultaneously. I DO NOT recommend self-medication however. Depression is an ILLNESS; treated as such.
Talking about depression and living with depression are two completely different things, especially as a college student. Our lives are so stressful and busy that sometimes it may seem easier to ignore your symptoms. That is not the way to go. SELF-CARE IS SO IMPORTANT! Especially as a college student. Depression can be an all consuming illness at times, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Take a break and relax when you need it, and do not ignore what you’re going through. It may help if you let your closest friend know what you are going through. Being alone at school can be incredibly scary when battling something like depression. Keep up with whatever treatment you’ve determined works for you and make sure you remain healthy.
Healthy does not mean you have to be chipper and happy 24/7. Do not suffer silently, I promise you that you are not alone. Just because your may not feel happy at the moment, does not mean you’ll never be happy, it means you’re living, feeling emotion and being human.
I hope this this article has helped you and given you some tools to move forward. Please remember that you are not crazy, you deserve to live your life fully and that everyone is fighting their own battles.
Love, Kimberly
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