From Blues to Depression: Navigating the College Experience - When Sadness Becomes a Concern for Students
Navigating the college experience can be tough, especially if sadness turns into depression. Learn the signs, risks, and steps to seek help.
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Does it seem like you just don't have the energy or motivation like before?
It is kind of like, you used to enjoy doing things in your life, and now you don't?
The activities and hobbies you enjoyed no longer spark much interest and you just don't bother with them right now.
Does it feel like the people you usually turn to for help don’t seem to get it?
Feeling like this is too much.
We understand what you are going through.
When you are ready, we are here for you.
Do these depression symptoms sound like your experience?
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Feeling down, more days that not
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Frustrated and irritable or crying frequently
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Not doing the things you used to love
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Sleeping more than usual or unable to get to sleep
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Avoiding time with others
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You want to do things, but just don’t have the motivation or energy
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Difficulties concentrating or focusing
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Procrastinating or avoiding simple tasks
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Eating more or less than usual
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
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Feeling overly sensitive to criticism, rejection, or minor setbacks
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Hopelessness
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Feeling empty
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Unexplained physical aches and pains
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Loss of libido
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Difficulties making simple decisions
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Self-Harm
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Suicidal Thoughts
If you answered yes,
you may be experiencing symptoms of depression
You're not alone; many people experience depression symptoms, and you can feel better. Depression can cast a heavy cloud over your life, affecting your emotions, thoughts, and daily experiences. The days may feel darker, and activities that once brought joy may seem distant and unattainable. Depression takes all of the things you used to enjoy and turns it into something bland, hollow, and grey. Listening to music, drawing, reading, and talking with friends quickly starts to feel like more of a task than a way to feel better. At times, it might feel like you've exhausted every possible solution to improve how you feel. You find yourself deciding to avoid time with friends, family, and others, to binge Netflix and sleep. While it feels like this is as much as you can do with the energy you have left, you’re painfully aware of the fact that this only delays what you need to do in order to feel better. If you can muster up the energy, and bring yourself to reach out... the process of therapy offers a unique and transformative space for renewal—a space where you can reorganize your mind, heart, and actions towards a path of healing and recovery.
Feeling depressed is exhausting. The fading hope that a positive change might be possible is weighing heavy. Your best efforts haven’t solved the problem and the suggestions from those you love haven’t helped either. The growing fear of becoming a burden when talking about how you feel with family and friends stops you from saying much of anything. You're realizing the need for a serious change, and that's where we come in. Our therapy for depression is tailored to your individual experience, acknowledging that each person's journey is unique. We understand that taking the step to seek help can be both courageous and daunting, but remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You might be thinking, "How will therapy really make a difference?" We recognize that depression can be complex, involving a web of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that intertwine and impact your well-being. Overcoming depression through therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it's a dynamic and personalized journey that evolves according to your needs and progress. Our skilled therapists are here to guide you through this journey, drawing from evidence-based techniques and creating a strategic plan that adapts to your unique circumstances. As we work together, you'll gain valuable insights into your thought patterns and behaviors, leading to a deeper understanding of your depression and its underlying causes. Together, we'll explore these complexities and equip you with tools to overcome feelings of hopelessness, self-criticism, and overthinking.
How will Therapy for Depression help?
Your experience is unique to you, as are the emotions that come with it. Feeling depressed is no different. Therapy helps you get control of your mood again with tools to overcome feelings of hopelessness, overthinking, and self-criticism that have kept you from enjoying life. Through this therapeutic journey, you'll not only learn to manage the symptoms of depression but also gain valuable insights into your thought patterns and behaviors. This newfound self-awareness empowers you to make positive changes and create a more fulfilling life.
Creating a trusting, working relationship with a therapist is an extremely powerful step in the process of developing a deeper understanding of the problem itself and building a plan of action to address the symptoms of depression. Our therapists are dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Together, we collaboratively design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. By using a variety of evidence-based techniques, we create a strategic, coordinated, focused plan that takes into account where you are, what you have tried, and what resources could provide you with an edge in overcoming the obstacles in your way.
No matter where the sadness has come from, you don’t need to let it define your life. Fortunately, feeling depressed is not a permanent state. We can change our mood, even when we feel as though we have exhausted all the possible ideas that we have to improve how we feel. While challenging, the process of therapy is a unique space for renewing your dedication to reorganizing your mind, heart, and action. It's an opportunity to rediscover your strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and create a sense of purpose that goes beyond the shadows of depression. Together, we work towards transforming your narrative from one of despair to one of resilience, growth, and lasting well-being.
Uncertain about starting therapy?
Uncertainty about starting therapy is a common concern people have when considering whether or not to treat depression. Of course attitudes toward therapy vary between people and cultures, but beyond fear there are many valid questions about the use and effectiveness of therapy in resolving depression.
Talking about my problems will only make me feel more depressed.
Talking about how you feel is difficult, especially because the feelings you have to share are painful and draining. Talking with family and friends, you find yourself trapped in an endless retelling of why you are stuck, why their suggestions aren’t working, and your growing doubts that a better day is ahead. The usual suggestions for what to try, which are typically very helpful, are not going to cut it because your feelings of depression are not only unique, but complex as well. Therapy is different than talking with your family or friends because it can be a place for both being heard or understood, without judgment, as well as a place to collaboratively build a plan of action that meets you where you are. What you share in the process of therapy is not aimless retellings of old pains, but a conversation focused on change that builds on your personal strengths.
Therapy will make me feel pressured to change. It will be too much work.
One of the best things about therapy is that you can move at your own pace. While being in therapy is accompanied by both specific as well as general goal setting, you are in charge of what those goals are and how ready you are to act on them. Building the foundation for change is a very important part of the early phase of therapy, so it can be extremely beneficial to take time for you and your therapist to develop a working relationship before moving into an action oriented phase of therapy. The pace of therapy can always be scaled back if it moves too quickly as well. Communicating about what you need from your therapist, your readiness level, and the pace you need to work at, are all critical ways for you to direct therapy, if you prefer.
If I tell my therapist I have thought about not wanting to be alive anymore, they will hospitalize me.
Opening up about thoughts of not wanting to be alive is a significant step in your healing journey. It's important to remember that such disclosure doesn't necessarily lead to hospitalization. Depression, especially if it has been going on for a long time, is often accompanied by a desire to feel emotional relief. When you have tried to find relief in the usual ways, or that you have been suggested but they don’t work, it is not uncommon for a person to see the idea of suicide or not being alive anymore as a way to find this relief. Sharing such thoughts or feelings with your therapist is an important part of the healing process and while necessary at times, hospitalization is considered only when absolutely necessary. If such a situation occurs, you and your therapist will discuss the nuances, risks, and potential benefits of hospitalization.
I'm afraid therapy will force me to confront painful memories and emotions that I'd rather avoid.
Facing painful memories and emotions can indeed be daunting. However, therapy is a gradual and guided process. You're in control of what you share and when you're ready to explore deeper aspects of your experiences. A skilled therapist will create a safe and supportive environment, helping you navigate challenging emotions at a pace that feels comfortable for you. The goal is not to overwhelm you, but to empower you to address these emotions in a way that promotes healing and growth.
I don't have the time or money for therapy.
We understand that time and financial constraints can feel like hurdles to accessing therapy. However, investing in your mental well-being is an investment in your overall quality of life. Think of therapy as a positive step toward building a healthier and more fulfilling future. Our approach is flexible and designed to accommodate your schedule and budget. Additionally, many therapy options, including online counseling and reduced fees, are available to make therapy more accessible. Also, we take insurance! Many insurance plans today provide mental health benefits. Taking this step can lead to enhanced emotional resilience, improved coping skills, and a more balanced and rewarding life.
Therapists that Specialize in treating Depression
Abia Hashmi, MA, LCPC, LPC
Therapy in Illinois, Texas, and Florida
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