Depression can very hard, especially when you're a full-time student. Unwanted symptoms can prevent you from doing your best work. Mental illness is something that will always be with someone no matter the circumstances, whether you're in college or not. It's important to cope and deal with everyday stress and also depression. No matter how low things might get, it will get better. It's important to know when you should reach out for help.
Depression doesn't have to hold you back.
Here's some advice and coping mechanisms I wish I was given before I started college, I hope they help you, too.
1. Plan
On the lowest of days, the easiest tasks can be a struggle. Even just the simple task of getting out of bed and starting your morning can be hard. To avoid the cycle of sleeping too much and not getting out of bed, make some plans for your day in advance. The plans don't have to be anything extravagant, but they should be manageable and enjoyable. Plan some time in your day to work on a hobby you like, such as coloring, listening to music or just journal. If sleeping is something that is just unavoidable for you, at least set an alarm so you don't sleep through your whole morning.
Being lethargic might be an unavoidable symptom of depression, so plan time to nap throughout the day. Also, plan to give yourself a little more time when doing your work for classes. Struggling to be motivated to do tasks is another unwanted symptom, so the hardest yet simplest step is to just get started. Plan to give yourself more time to do the assignments and just try your best.
2. Go outside
When depressed, you probably don't want to do anything but stay in your room. But if the weather is nice out, it could benefit you to just walk a little bit around campus. Observe the beauty of nature and enjoy the fresh air. For a lot of people, exercise can release feel-good hormones called endorphins and can benefit you.
Keep your mind busy from negative thoughts during your walk around campus. Listen to upbeat music while you walk. Keep your mind occupied and free of negativity.
3. Talk to your doctor
At your lowest of lows, it might seem pointless to take your medications and see your psychiatrist and therapist but continue to communicate and take your meds daily. An adjustment of the dosage of your medicine may be needed, so it's vital to communicate your concerns to your psychiatrist. Also, therapy can help you learn new coping mechanisms to help deal with your depression.
4. Don't bottle up your feelings
This goes along with communication with your doctors, but when you're not in their office, find an activity to get out your negative emotions. Such activities could be writing down how you're feeling, talking to some friends or family, exercising, drawing and many other things. Make sure that your activity isn't harmful to yourself or to someone else.
5. Take care of yourself
Take a shower, brush your teeth, and even do your makeup. Make sure you take care of your body and health. Don't eat too much junk and drink some water. Keep up with your basic day-to-day tasks and you will feel at least a little bit better. You might feel some accomplishment from getting one task done in your day and your body will thank you.
6. Don't be too hard on yourself
Try your best when it comes to school work. If needed, try getting a doctor's note excusing any missed classes or assignments. If you plan to do more things than you complete, don't get too down on yourself. You're going through a rough patch right now, but things will get better, and you can do this. You are not alone. Don't compare yourself to others. You are loved by so many more people than you think. You make this world a better place.
Don't give up and keep your head up. Stay healthy and stay you.
