College can be the best time of your life, but it can also be the worst.

Stress is a constant emotion that many students face, and if it is not handled properly, one can become depressed.

Executive Director of the JED Foundation, Courtney Knowles discovered, "The average age of onset for many mental health conditions is the typical college age range of 18 to 24 years old."

Depression is a disease that affects many and is a mental illness that has many symptoms, such as;

• Persistently sad, anxious, irritable or empty mood
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Significant change in appetite and/or weight
• Overreaction to criticisms
• Feeling unable to meet expectations
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
• Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment
• Substance abuse problems
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

Being busy college students, a lot of the time, there is no time to figure out why you are feeling the way you do.

There are however, many ways to self assess how you are feeling. Take time out of your day, even if it is 15 minutes and just really feel.

If it is hard to get out of bed, if you are finding it hard to focus, or eat, or sleep; reach out and get help.

There is really nothing wrong with being depressed. College is a very trying time on a lot of people. Do not ever be ashamed of needing to reach out to receive help.

Reaching out shows your strength. Never ever ever let anybody tell you other wise.

SuicideHotline: 800-784-2433.

Immediate Medical Assistance: 911.

CrisisCall Center: 800-273-8255

Text ANSWER to 839863.