Depression Among College Students

Melanie Sanchez Gonzalez Contrbuting Writer

Communication majors have it easy, some students may say. Why would they be worried or depressed? Meanwhile, those nursing majors have it the worst they are always crying and complaining somewhere in a corner.

There was a story about a guy who was a communication major that was watching a tv show in the library after taking what he thought was an easy 10 question exam. When all of a sudden, he heard someone crying. When he approached the person, it was a nursing student with her phone in her hands crying because she received her exam grade. When he asked her what she received she said an “76%”. He was confused because he thought that was a good grade until he learned that a 76% is a failing grade in the nursing department. It was at the moment when he realized how hard some students have it at school and how grateful he was that he was a communications major.

The stereotype that communication is a stressfree major and nursing is the hardest is only an opinion. It is not true. All students who are in college face stress that can do them harm.

Depression in students affects their mental health whether they are a first year or a senior. Many college students leave their comfort zone to enter a new environment and it can affect them emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Mental health is a key factor in undergoing changes in college students. In some cases, people start college to make their parents proud. Many college students at Alvernia in particular are the first in their family to attend college, but everyone has their own reasons to be here. It is extremely important to identify your weaker suits when beginning college because if it does not get recognized it can become deeper. Depression can be caused by trauma in the past or even in the present. Some examples could be something happening back at home, relationships, or friendships. Oftentimes pain and depression can create a vicious cycle in which pain worsens symptoms of depression (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2019). It is crucial to identify symptoms of depression because they can lead to greater defects over time.

“I was extremely depressed when I first started school because it was a new journey that I had to face alone” Nicole Sanchez Depression can affect your body and your mind. That is why it is important to listen to your body and know when you need rest or when it’s time to reach out to a trusted individual. “In prolonged stress, not only do mental symptoms such as anguish and depression develop but physical symptoms also arise.” (Wasserman, 2011). It is important to recognize what your body is telling you. It is important to take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. College is hard no matter the major. It can be hard for students to communicate their needs because they are far from home and don’tAlvernia University offers counseling services, the during the exam, and the brain can more rapidly recall the last time you studied with that song playing. counseling center is staffed by a licensed psychologist and counseling intern. Mental health counselors are available, and the university offers screening for those who are struggling emotionally. Home techniques to help with feelings of depression. Talking to a close trusted friend or family member, set up an appointment to see a counselor, or write in a journal. There are also therapeutic techniques that allow you to relax, such as going for a walk, coloring, listening to music, and or doing something you have a passion for. Whatever you find that brings you peace will allow you to overcome those feelings of sadness. Always remember that Alvernia University cares for the well being of their students and are here to help. Feeling hopeless or depressed? Text ruOK to 484.816.ruOK (7865)

Music can be played anywhere. From going to the gym, studying, in the shower, at parties, and in cars. It is the perfect sound to fill in awkwardness, spark up interest and conversation, or help with unexplainable emotions or feelings. The next time your workload gets a bit too much, put your headphones in and let music zone out the world.

Make sure to check out the new albums and new hits. The new year is already jam-packed with sound and will give you a great start to using your headphones.