College is a word that encapsulates every student’s dreams and wishes, their getaway ticket. With so much anticipation about fun and new experiences around every rule abiding student, it becomes easy to overlook the fact that there are also a large number of challenges present at a university, which could lead to numerous psychological and stress related issues. Being a college student could hitchhike a lot of distress, which could be overwhelming for some students and many students come unprepared for university life.

Academics, finances, social life – the list could branch into uncountable branches. Today, with fewer job opportunities after college and added concerns like failed relationships is enough to plummet some students into depression. This, in turn, could lead to a chain of catastrophic events such as substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors to deal with their emotional pain.

One in four students has a diagnosable illness, among which 40% do not seek help. If it is left untreated, it could lead to other symptoms or even suicide. Depression is one of the most common, but serious mental condition, which is often brushed off as being upset. It is a giant shadow, an uninvited guest, who imbibes all of your energy and interferes with your important everyday tasks like eating, working, studying, sleeping, etc. It can be caused by a combination of genetics, biological, psychological and environmental factors.

Depression, usually, starts off as a paying guest, showing fleeting symptoms such as changing in sleep habits, feeling of helplessness or hopelessness, being pessimistic towards life, etc, but eventually becomes a permanent resident of your mind and body. The symptoms differ from person to person and therefore, it is advised to seek professional help.

Now, the question worth a thousand dime must be popping in your mind – How to deal with the problems stated above?

First and most important approach is to realize the fact that you need help. More often than not, students themselves are reluctant to seek help due to social stigmas related to depression. Once you have overcome that, talk to your family or friend, whoever you feel comfortable with. The best treatment usually involves a combination of antidepressant medication and talk therapies like CBT, etc. There are a number of institutions and facilities also you can seek help from. With correct medications and warm support, anyone can overcome depression and remember, you are not alone.