Depression.
Sounds intimidating, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it is a very real concern for university students and can deeply affect you or your friends’ wellness if left unacknowledged.
Depression related to stress and other coming of age problems is common among us fresh-faced young adults stepping into new environments. Thankfully, stress-related depression can be managed through proper sleep, exercise, EXERCISE and a healthy diet. I recognize that depression progresses differently for different individuals and that it manifests itself in varying forms along a spectrum. I have chronic depression, and I have experienced mild to severe depression throughout my life. My most recent stretch of depression started off mild and could have been caught early if I had recognized the signs:
Persistent tiredness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, changes in libido (sex? what’s sex?), social withdrawal, inexplicable feelings of guilt and worthlessness, random bodily aches, overwhelming sadness and unexplained crying spells, recklessness and increased alcohol use.
So keep an eye on your friends! If sadness becomes a pattern, be proactive in your support. “I’m here if you need anything” is too vague. Invite them to the gym, go for walks or go out to the movies. And if it persists, encourage them to visit the university counselling/health services.
And remember that we can’t do it all! Eating well, exercising and sleeping well takes up almost half the day. Sounds like a lot of time being used, but it needs to be done. That leaves you with 12 hours for studying, socializing, working, and volunteering – however you choose to spend your time. We’re expected to pack our plates full, but there is a way to do that and still maintain your mental health. You have the right to say no to overextending yourself. Trust yourself. Easier said than done, but even going to sleep 15 minutes earlier is one step towards preventing depression.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
~ Nadia Grutter
