As summer comes to an end, last year's high school seniors will start preparing for their first year of college. That transition into college living can be stressful and overwhelming. The academic pressures, less-than-stellar eating habits and more time spent studying than exercising can trigger some sadness and emotional struggles. Add to that the anxiety and difficulties associated with new relationships, learning to live with new roommates and the other changing dynamics and you have a nearly perfect recipe for depression. Here are some signs to watch out for as you embark on your first college year.
Persistent Sadness
If those first-day and new class jitters have given way to some persistent and unexplained feelings of sadness or lack of excitement, that's a common indication of early depression stages. Obviously, there will be some days when things will be more challenging than others, but if these feelings seem to linger no matter what is going on, it may be time to think about talking with someone.
Unexplained Moodiness and Anger
One of the things that many people don't realize is that depression can often mask itself as irritability and moodiness. If you have become unexplainably grumpy, moody and irritated with your roommates and other classmates, that may be a sign that you're struggling with depression.
Academic Struggles
Depression can often cause difficulties with reasoning and thinking, which can make your schoolwork challenging. If you're suddenly having trouble maintaining your previously high GPA and remembering your assignment deadlines, it could be symptoms of a bigger problem. Disinterest, fatigue and cloudy thoughts are often culprits.
Risky or Problematic Actions
The college atmosphere is full of all kinds of opportunities that you may not have been exposed to before. Some of them are more risky than others. If you find yourself leaning toward more self-destructive and risky opportunities than just the ones that allow you to have fun and focus on your academics, it could be an indication of depression.
Everyone has times when they feel sad or overwhelmed, but when those feelings persist and are unexplained, that's a key indication that you may have something more going on. Talk with a local counselor like The Center for Family Counseling, Inc. about your depression symptoms to see if you can isolate the source of the problem. The more proactive you are about recognizing the symptoms, the sooner you'll be able to get the help that you need to deal with those struggles and overcome them.
Share7 August 2016
When I initially started the therapy process about 10 years ago, I didn't take the time to scout out the right counselor. Instead, I just went to the first counselor that my doctor recommended, and the experience was less than enjoyable. I realized that I might need to do a little research to find the right counselor for me, so I took the time to carefully evaluate my needs and research different clinics in my area. I was able to find an amazing counselor who really seemed to have it under control, and it was incredibly beneficial to see the difference that it made. This blog is all about finding the right counselor.
