According to a study, nearly 40% of college students have suffered depression (1). Symptoms of Bipolar disorder often develop in those 19-23 years old (2). It is important to be aware of the prevalence of mental health issues, especially as college students. Starting college, leaving home for the first time, study habits, irregular sleep, relationships changes, physical illness, alcohol, and drugs can aggravate symptoms.
- Changes in sleep. Sleeping more, sleeping very little, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or not needing to sleep.
- Change in eating patterns (eating more or eating less). Weight changes. Excessive exercising. Body image issues. Self-harm (ie: cutting).
- Mood swings that fluctuate between feeling depressed, agitated/angry, or happy.
- Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or pessimistic. Lack of interest in friends or social activities. Lack of energy. Excessive worrying. Unable to leave the house. Panic attacks.
- Over-spending or buying gifts. High energy. Risky behavior (including with sex or drugs).
- Perfectionism. Guilt. Spending excessive time on assignments/projects. Racing thoughts. Not handling interruption. Difficulty concentrating.
So, here's what you can do:
- Ask your doctor, Student Health Center, and college counseling office to provide mental health screenings for college students.
- Understand the signs of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders so you can recognize them in yourself, friends, or roommates.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Eat well.
- Go outside and be active.
- Find ways to "de-stress" daily.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Establish a healthy support system (ie: family, friends, roommates, teachers, advisors, counselors, professionals, or religious/spiritual practices).
- Seek professional counseling. Therapists are available at colleges, in the community, or through your county Health Department. Low or no cost care may be an option.
- Discuss your symptoms with your doctor, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.
- Join a support group at school or in your community.
- If you have been prescribed medication to control your symptoms, do not change or stop your medication without professional help. Please realize that it is not uncommon for students to need some fine-tuning of their medications periodically.
- Register with Disability Services at your school for confidential help. They will listen to your needs, be your advocate, and arrange for accommodations with your teachers so that you can be successful.
- Get help immediately if you are suicidal or feel like harming yourself or others. Call 911 or go to the emergency room. Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or visit: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
For more information:
5 Depression Relapse Triggers to Watch For
Back to School with Bipolar
Depression Toolkit and Bipolar Disorder in College Students
Managing Stress: A Guide for College Students
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Student Resources
Self injury/Cutting
Disclaimer: College Smarties webpage is for informational purposes only. It is not to replace the advice of a doctor or other professional. If you are having an emergency, feel suicidal, or need help -- please call 911 or go to the emergency room. While I tried to be as accurate as possible, I am not responsible for typographical errors, web link errors, or phone number errors.
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