Are you a college student who is struggling with depression? Depression may make it difficult for you to get ready for your day, let alone complete your daily activities. But you’re not alone: About 41% of college students in the United States experience depression. 

While depression has no known cure, it can be successfully managed. Depression treatments have seen advancements over the years. With professional help, lifestyle modifications and support, it’s possible for people with depression to lead full, meaningful lives.

4 treatment options that can improve students’ ability to cope with depression

Here are some options that can help you cope with depression:

• Individual psychotherapy sessions — Through individual psychotherapy sessions, you and a licensed clinical therapist can create a personalized treatment plan for your depression. This can help you receive advice more targeted to your specific concerns. For example, if you are feeling depressed because of homesickness, a licensed clinical therapist may encourage you to schedule weekly phone calls with loved ones from home.
• Group psychotherapy sessions — Group psychotherapy sessions for depression can be beneficial, as one of the main indicators of depression involves isolation from peers. In a group session, you can listen to others’ experiences of depression. Listening to your peers may help you feel less alone. Also, group sessions can provide you a safe space to voice your concerns about your depression.
• Lifestyle changes — Common contributing factors of depression include a lack of nutrition in your diet as well as sleep issues. It also works the other way around, as depression can lead to poor diet and sleep. Some lifestyle changes to alleviate depression symptoms can focus on getting eight hours of sleep. You can also incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Getting a good night sleep as well as having a balanced diet can help you with emotional regulation to decrease negative emotions and thought patterns.
• Engagement in creative activities — Researchers have found that people who did fewer creative activities had higher levels of depression. Activities such as dancing, coloring, and playing an instrument may help you relieve some of your depression symptoms. They give you a specific task to focus on while processing your emotions and gaining a sense of accomplishment.

It’s important to note that for most people, these treatments and others are often used at the same time. This allows you to get the benefits that each treatment option can offer. With regular adjustments by your mental health professional, these treatment options can provide the right level of support for you at each stage of your depression treatment journey. Different stages of treatment provide consistent opportunities for self-reflection and personal development.

Supportive, whole-person depression treatment for UC students

Are you a UC college student who is struggling to find the support you need as you deal with depression? Our caring and supportive clinical experts at Lightfully U recognize that reaching out for help with depression is a brave step. Our customizable virtual Intensive Outpatient Program might be right for you.

At Lightfully U, you’ll receive holistic treatment and measurable results as we provide support in all aspects of your life. We strive to maintain a mental health community in which everyone is seen, heard and valued. We recognize that there is no “cure” for depression. A cure for depression implies that there is a one-time fix, which does not take into account long-term coping skills. 

Our licensed clinical experts focus on helping you develop the coping skills you need to better manage your depression. You can get to a place where depression is a thing of the past with us by your side every step of the way with the right programs.

Our vIOP can provide you with the support you need to cope with depression. Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs are a form of online therapy. They support clients and help them develop key coping skills to improve their mental health. If you’re a college student who has never been to therapy before, don’t worry. A vIOP offers a safe, open environment to help you feel more comfortable in both an individual and a group setting. vIOPs involve three to six hours of counseling each day. This daily counseling includes group sessions with a cap of 10 clients. In addition, vIOPs offer individual therapy sessions each week and meetings with a treatment team each month. 

If you’d like more information about how we can help with depression, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you take the next steps toward the brightest version of you.