College is supposed to be an exciting time filled with new experiences, personal growth and academic challenges. However, college can also be a stressful time. It can be filled with pressures to succeed, social anxieties and financial struggles. These stressors can sometimes trigger depression. Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. 

A crucial step in navigating depression is getting a diagnosis. While depression can be a daunting diagnosis, there is hope. Depression is a treatable condition.

Risks and consequences of depression in college students

If depression is left untreated, it can pose significant risks to your well-being. These risks can include:

• Academic decline — Missed classes, difficulty concentrating and dropping grades
• Strained relationships — Challenges connecting with friends, isolating yourself and neglecting social activities
• Dangerous behaviors — Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Overall well-being — Lower energy levels, bad sleep habits and lower overall sense of well-being

Getting the correct diagnosis can open the door to effective treatment, which can enable you to manage your symptoms, improve your overall well-being and thrive. 

Diagnosing depression in college students

Diagnosing depression isn’t about a single test. Diagnosing depression involves a comprehensive evaluation by a health care team. This process can include:

• Discussion of symptoms — The mental health professional will ask detailed questions regarding your mood, sleep patterns, appetite changes, energy levels, concentration difficulties and changes in daily activities. They can also explore your thoughts and feelings, including feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt.
• Discussion of mental health history — They may inquire about your past mental health experiences, family history of depression and any medications you may be taking. 
• Psychological assessment — Standardized questionnaires or psychological tests may be used to help assess your symptoms and their severity.
• Physical examination — A physical examination by your medical doctor can help rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to depression-like symptoms. 

Based on the information gathered from your assessment, the mental health professional (or your primary care physician) can determine if you meet the criteria for depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

Depression symptoms in college students

While the core symptoms of depression can be consistent in college students, they can also manifest differently. Traditional symptoms like sadness, fatigue and difficulty concentrating can be prevalent. However, some college students may also experience:

• Increased academic stress and anxiety — This can manifest as having a difficult time focusing on studies, feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and fearing failure. 
• Changes in sleep patterns — College students can often experience irregular sleep patterns due to busy schedules. Depression can make this worse, which can lead to insomnia or excessive sleep. 
• Social isolation — Withdrawal from friends, skipping social activities and a lack of motivation to connect with others can be common signs.
• Increased substance use — Some students may attempt to cope with their depression by using alcohol or drugs. This can actually make depression symptoms worse in the long run.

If you identify with several of these symptoms and they continue for at least two weeks, it’s essential to reach out for a mental health evaluation. 

Treating depression in college students

The good news is that depression is treatable. Treatment options can include a combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes:

• Therapy — Talking to a therapist can provide you with valuable tools to help you manage negative thoughts, develop healthy coping skills and learn how to build a strong support system. 
• Medication — Your doctor or qualified mental health professional may prescribe medication to help you better manage symptoms. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed. These medications can help regulate the brain chemicals that play a role in mood regulation. 
• Lifestyle changes — It’s important to prioritize healthy habits like regular exercise, maintaining a good sleep schedule, and eating a balanced and nutritious diet. These habits can help improve your mood and overall well-being. 

Seeking help for depression is a sign of great strength and self-care. Many colleges and universities can offer mental health resources specifically for students. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and guidance to find the right mental health professional. 

With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can manage your depression, navigate the challenges of college life and achieve your academic goals. 

Lightfully U offers support for college students struggling with depression

At Lightfully U, we understand the unique challenges college students face. Getting a depression diagnosis is your first step toward reclaiming your well-being and thriving in college. We can help you on your journey through whole-person-centered care. We use a unique framework of evidence-based techniques to tailor a personalized treatment plan to help you meet your specific needs and goals. We provide different levels of care to help meet you where you are. We offer a Short-Term Option, which can be ideal during summer or winter break to get a jump-start on your mental well-being before a new semester starts. We also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program, which can help you continue to receive effective support while you’re away at college. You are strong, capable and deserving of a fulfilling college experience. Our compassionate experts can provide you with the care and support you need to help you get there.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.