When you have major depressive disorder, or depression, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s there. While your mental health journey can have many roadblocks along the way, the right treatment can help you take control over your major depression.
Depression is a common mood disorder that’s characterized by pervasive negative emotions and thoughts. The mental, emotional and behavioral patterns that stem from this disorder can make it challenging for college students to make the most out of this chapter of their lives. For instance, the persistent lack of motivation can impact your ability to meet your assignment due dates. It can also make you want to isolate yourself away from others, which can interfere with your social connections.
As a college student, there are plenty of potential triggers and risk factors for major depression. There’s everything from poor grades to missing your family back home. The good news is that there’s hope with effective depression treatment options.
We’ll talk about how treatment for major depression can provide significant improvement in every aspect of a college student’s life, both now and in the future.
How major depression treatment can help college students
While many people understand the importance of addressing and treating mental health disorders like depression, not everyone seeks it out for themselves. According to research from 2021, approximately 61% of U.S. adults who experienced a major depressive disorder episode in the prior year received treatment.
There are many reasons why college students may try to avoid or delay depression treatment. They could have a lack of time or not want to admit they need help. But the significant improvement that a student can gain from depression shouldn’t be underestimated. Approximately 80% of people who receive treatment for their depression experience improvement. Treatment also reduces the risk of future mental health issues.
Depression treatment can range from person to person. A mental health care provider can work with clients to create a treatment plan that will be the most effective for their particular symptoms, severity and medical history. Most depression treatment plans include a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Let’s talk about how each one can improve the mental health outlook for college students with depression:
Psychotherapy can help treat depression in college students and lead to long-term mental health improvement through the following:
- Identifying negative thought, emotion and behavioral patterns
- Acknowledging triggers you may be facing in your everyday life
- Understanding the root issues of your major depression
- Improving relationships with yourself and others
- Developing skills to manage depression symptoms (coping skills, communication skills)
- Learning self-care and lifestyle changes that can reduce depression
- Talking through difficult situations or life changes that may contribute to your symptoms
Even though the effects of medication for depression can vary depending on the type of antidepressant being prescribed, they can help move college students along their mental health journey by:
- Reducing day-to-day depression symptoms
- Improving emotional regulation and stability
- Decreasing symptoms of co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety
- Increasing concentration
- Improving quality of sleep
Reasons college students may be avoiding depression treatment (and how to address them)
Even though we’ve laid out plenty of ways that depression treatment can benefit a college student’s mental health, we understand that it’s not easy to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a few reasons that students might have when they try to push off finding the care and support they need, and how to challenge them:
- Busy schedule — A lack of time is a common reason for people to avoid many things in their lives, including depression treatment. College students tend to have a jam-packed schedule, from classes to part-time jobs. Even though talking to a mental health care provider can take up some time, your mental health should always be a priority in a busy schedule. There are flexible treatment options that work around your calendar, such as online therapy.
- Harmful stigma — The stigma of mental health can make it difficult to open up and ask for help, especially if you’re trying to “fit in” with your peers. But everyone struggles with their mental health sometimes, and it’s important to not be deterred by outside views or perceived judgment. When you acknowledge that it’s time to seek depression treatment, you’re putting yourself first, and that’s something to be proud of.
- Unsure of resources — It’s not always easy to know where to start when it comes to depression treatment. How do you know the type of psychotherapy or medication you need? Who do you talk to? The first step is to speak to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can also explore your college’s mental health care resources, such as on-campus counseling.
Lightfully U helps provide college students with a brighter outlook for major depression
There isn’t a cure for major depression, but treatment can help you manage your symptoms on a day-to-day basis to improve your overall quality of life. Research shows a positive outlook for those who seek depression treatment, proving that you don’t have to have your life defined by your mental health disorder.
At Lightfully U, our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program can help provide college students with the depression treatment they need through flexible, online care. It involves different therapy session dynamics, such as individual, family and group sessions, to help you work toward your short- and long-term mental health goals. We offer evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care.
Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest version of you.
