olence: A recent study has correlated police killings of unarmed Black people to increased depression-related emergency room visits for Black Americans.
- COVID-19: A BestColleges survey found that 95% of college students experienced a negative mental health outcome from the pandemic.
How to Deal With Depression in College
Whatever forces are causing you or someone you know to feel depressed, know that help is out there. Here are a few reminders students can use when dealing with depression in college.
Don't Suffer in Silence
"You are not as alone as you think you are," said Wallace. "Many of your fellow students are struggling to pull themselves through as well."
The Healthy Minds Survey shows that many college students perceive a public stigma around mental health. However, very few actually judge other people who speak out about their mental health.
Let Yourself Feel
Avoiding fear, confusion, or loneliness — or trying to numb them with alcohol or drugs — doesn't often make us feel better in the long term. Instead, tune into what you're feeling, even if it's uncomfortable.
"Emotions exist to signal to us what we want and what gives us pleasure," Granek said. "[They] mobilize us to pursue our goals and alert us to pursue things essential to our survival."
Feeling fear might motivate us to spend more time thinking about a big decision. Loneliness may be a signal to reach out to an old friend or ask for help.
Track Your Symptoms
"It's not as easy to remember every piece or … put it into words," master's student and mental health advocate Francesca Reicherter said. "So, for me, writing down what I'm experiencing at different times of the day [has] been really important."
Reicherter was misdiagnosed and mistreated for depression for years before receiving a bipolar 2 disorder diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For students wondering if they're being misdiagnosed, she suggests writing about, reflecting on, and reviewing your symptoms with a doctor or therapist and rule out possible conditions.
Seek Counseling From Professionals on Campus
Some colleges offer counseling programs, counseling and psychological services (CAPS), or other mental health services. They may be free to students or even available online.
"Studies show counseling only takes a few sessions for students to begin to benefit from the experience," Lesley said. "Not sure if counseling is right for you? Give it at least three sessions before you decide."
Talk to Your Peers
"Sometimes you have to make your own support system," advised Wallace. "My support system at my lowest point was my partner, my friends, and my family."
Additionally, some campuses run peer counseling programs. Student volunteers receive training to support their peers through mental health conditions and refer them to additional services. Some student-led groups, such as the University of Illinois Chicago's United Support Network, even host regular support groups for their peers.
Take Time to Prioritize Self-Care
Give yourself time and space to focus on you. Explore our collection of mental health resources to find support.Learn More
Where to Get Help for Depression Immediately
Your college campus may run a hotline to assist students in crisis. You can also always contact the following for confidential help, 24/7, 365 days a year:
With Advice From:
Kelly Wallace is a first-year media and culture major at West Chester University.
Brandon Bond is a first-generation University of Michigan graduate student pursuing an MPH in health behavior and health education with an injury science certificate and an MSW in global social work practice and management and leadership with an anti-racist trauma-informed care certificate. Bond currently works as a wellness coach where he helps develop wellness-centered programming and coaches college students of underrepresented backgrounds. Bond earned the 2022 George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award and Michigan Difference Student Leadership Wellness Award.
Francesca Reicherter is the founder and president of Inspiring My Generation, a 501(c)3 in supp