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Depression often goes undiagnosed, mostly because people fail to recognize its symptoms.

A large number of people spend years under the impression that their current state of mind is “normal,” and they fail to understand that depression is prominently different from what we call sadness. Depression can have a major impact on your daily activities. It can alter our work performance and focus. Depression is also associated with aggression, restlessness, emptiness. If untreated depression can be a triggering factor for suicide or self-inflicted harm.

This condition can be found across a wide range of demography. Irrespective of the age of an individual, he/she may become a victim of clinical depression. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly one-third of the college students in the US suffer from depression, which has made it difficult for them to conduct their daily functions. Further studies have shown that 30% of the students performed poorly in their academics, due to mental stress and depression.

[N]early one-third of the college students in the US suffer from depression, which has made it difficult for them to conduct their daily functions.

Mental conditions should not be taken lightly, especially when you are at the early ages of your life. It can push you to take certain drastic steps which can have long-lasting adverse effects. First of all, you need to understand that depression is real and if you have the symptoms then you are definitely a victim of it. Some of the common symptoms of depression are lack of interest in daily activities, restlessness, insomnia, reckless behavior, lack of concentration, and anger and irritability. Few days of observing your own behavior and state of mind can help you to identify your symptoms.

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Secondly, you need to identify the specific cause of your depression. Factors like loneliness, financial constraints, familial issues, underperformance, unemployment or underemployment, lack of social life, etc. are some of the common causes of depression at an early age. As a college student, you can have control over some them, whereas the rest beyond your grasp. However, you should note that the above-stated factors are the triggering functions of depression. It is not necessary that every individual who faces them are likely to be depressed. Depression is a highly subjective response of your brain to specific external factors (loneliness, lack of social life, financial constraints, and underemployment). Your state of mind depends on how you perceive these factors.

Poor performance can cause depression, which in turn can also act as an influencing factor to deteriorate performance further.

For a college student, depression may come from various factors. But it is up to you, how you will deal with them. It is always advisable to work on the source of the problem. Majority of the students are overwhelmed by the pressure of study. It is suggested that they should seek academic help to improve their class performance. The relationship between academics and depression works in a cyclic manner. Poor performance can cause depression, which in turn can also act as an influencing factor to deteriorate performance further. In order to break the cycle, you can talk your teachers, they will always give you the right tips to improve your grades and cope up with your study pressures. Issues with relationships can also lead to depression. If you feel that your depression is taking a massive toll in your life, it is always suggested to seek the advice of a counselor. Googling your way out of depression may not be a good idea. You must understand that depression is highly subjective, each individual cases are unique and may not be solved by generic thumb rules found on the internet. It is always better to visit an expert.

Depression can be treated and the treatments can bring you back to normal so that you can resume your daily activities without a hassle. However, the treatment will only work if you are willing to cooperate with your doctor. The treatment of depression can include two processes, cognitive behavior therapy and anti-depressants. The former can help you to identify the negative beliefs and thought and help you to counter them with positive ones. The later involves psychotropic medications like mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Bear in mind that you must never take these medications without medical advice because the side effects of an overdose can be catastrophic.

Additionally, you can take certain initiatives to improve your condition. Listening to music or watching comedy shows or movies can help you to avoid negative thoughts. Avoid being in the company of negative people, seek out for peers who make you happy. It can have a major impact on your state of mind. Keep your body healthy. Chronic depression can lead to problems in digestion, therefore it is suggested to be in a light diet.

Always keep in mind that treatment is the best weapon against depression, while negligence is only a catalyst.

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

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