Everyone should be able to receive the mental health care they need. However, some options are more accessible than others. When you’re a college student, you may not have the time, energy or resources required to receive depression treatment like inpatient care. Maybe you can’t attend weekly in-person therapy sessions that require a commute.

Interventions for depression refer to treatment options that can “intervene” with your symptoms. They intervene in an attempt to alleviate them. They also help you manage them on a day-to-day basis. For college students, there are accessible options worth exploring that can move you along your mental health journey.

College students are used to study guides and course guides. Here, we’ve compiled a guide that helps you gain a different type of knowledge. Read on to learn from our guide to accessible depression interventions for college students, such as Lightfully U.

A college student’s guide to interventions for depression

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a common mood disorder. It’s characterized by overwhelming negative thoughts and emotions. The mental, emotional and behavioral symptoms of depression can interfere with a student’s ability to complete their assignments, connect with their peers and set goals for their future. 

Accessibility and flexibility are high priorities for students trying to find depression interventions. That’s why many are provided online. 

• On-campus counseling centers — Many U.S. public colleges offer at least one type of mental health service. They often include one-on-one therapy or counseling services. If you have depression, talking to a therapist or mental health counselor can help you dive into the root issues of your depression. They’ll help you learn coping mechanisms to manage your symptoms and triggers.
• Warmlines — Hotlines are vital resources for people who are in a mental health crisis. But what if you just need to talk when you’re struggling with depression symptoms? That’s what a warmline is. Peers who have recovered from their own mental health issues can offer support to you over the phone. They can help before a crisis occurs (even though they can help with those as well). Find a local or national warmline here.
• Self-care — When it comes to accessibility, there’s no treatment more accessible than the one you can do on your own. Self-care for depression treatment refers to behavior and lifestyle changes that you can incorporate into your daily routines. Common self-care recommendations by health care professionals include eating a balanced diet, regularly exercising and keeping up with personal hygiene needs. While self-care shouldn’t be your only depression treatment, it can help you form habits that improve your overall mental health.
• Online support groups — Talking to other college students who are also experiencing depression can help you find comfort in a judgment-free space. Support groups can help you learn coping strategies that have been effective for others. You can also reduce your emotional burden by opening up about experiences. Support groups can help you feel less alone. They can provide you with hope for a future without depression by seeing others’ victories.
• Virtual therapy services — Psychotherapy is often one of the first courses of action that you’ll be referred to by a health care professional when you’re experiencing depression symptoms. If you don’t have the time or means of transportation to go to in-person sessions, many therapists also offer virtual sessions through videoconferencing. You may also be able to connect to them through online chats before sessions.
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) — If your depression is worsening or it’s having a significant impact on your coursework, social interactions and responsibilities, then you may need support beyond weekly therapy sessions or support groups. At Lightfully, we have a vIOP specifically geared toward college students. On a weekly basis, the program involves an individual therapy session and a family session. It also includes up to 15 group sessions. It also provides you with access to alumni resources and workshops.

Lightfully U provides accessible depression interventions for college students

College students often have a packed schedule. However, depression interventions shouldn’t be pushed to the wayside. Caring for your mental health should always be a priority, and this is especially true if your depression symptoms are interfering with your ability to carry out the responsibilities of that packed schedule.

There are plenty of flexible, accessible interventions for depression that you can explore. One option is the Lightfully vIOP. It consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step to finding interventions for depression, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.