Depression

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Low moods and depression are sometimes a natural part of life; sometimes, you inevitably must face sadness, losses, and changes. In such cases, a depressed mood is a normal way of reacting to unpleasant events.

If depression is prolonged, it can become an illness. Depression is the most common mental health disorder diagnosed in students. You should learn to recognise the symptoms of depression so you can find ways to deal with them.

There is no single cause of depression

Depression is rarely caused by any single factor; it is the result of several different things. Also, remember that depression is not your fault: no one chooses to be depressed or knowingly causes it.

Most often, the factors associated with depression are related to an experience or life situation that takes up mental resources. Particularly difficult experiences may be things such as the end of a relationship or the serious illness or death of a friend.

Other causes of distress include arguments at home with parents or between the parents, and domestic violence. A generally stressful family situation and lack of support can contribute to the onset of depression.

Most often, the factors associated with depression are related to an experience or life situation that takes up mental resources.

Bullying, lack of friendships or exclusion from a group can also contribute to depression, as can stress, lack of sleep and excessive expectations and pressures. Financial difficulties and worries about the future are also distressing. Heavy alcohol consumption and depression are also often linked.

Persistent and long-term factors can also contribute to one’s vulnerability to depression. Some people have a greater hereditary predisposition to depression, and others may have personality traits that make them more vulnerable to depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

It is important that you recognise the symptoms of depression and seek support early if necessary. The symptoms of depression include:

• a consistently gloomy, sad, and empty mood
• feelings of guilt, helplessness, and worthlessness
• lack of initiative
• difficulty concentrating on things such as one’s studies
• lack of interest in things that used to provide pleasure
• sleep disturbances, tiredness
• feeling irritable, restless, and anxious
• loss of self-esteem and self-confidence
• loss of sexual interest
• changes in appetite and weight
• suicidal thoughts

Depression should be treated as early as possible

Don’t be left alone with depression. You can, and should, seek support.

Some of the mildest symptoms of depression can also be managed independently by doing things such as the following:

• Don’t dwell on your problems alone; talk about them with people close to you.
• Keep in touch with friends, even if it feels difficult and you’d just like to curl up alone.
• Write down how you feel. Writing will help you understand what’s going on with your situation.
• Get outside, get moving. Exercise has a positive effect on your mood.
• Stick to your hobbies, even if it’s hard. Giving up increases depression.
• Think about whether there are stress factors in your life that you can reduce.
• Take a holiday.
• For so-called seasonal affective disorder, or winter depression, you may find relief from bright light therapy.

It’s best to treat depression as early as possible so that recovery is quicker and easier. You can seek help from facilities such as student health services or your local health centre.

Even if you feel like being alone when you are depressed, and it is difficult to get going, it is important not to become lonely. Remember that depression is not your fault. You need and deserve the support and help of others.