How many times have you been told that the student days are the best days of your life? Well, maybe that’s true for some people, and it can be a really exciting time, but it can be really difficult as well, full of challenges and stress: assignments due; tutorials to attend; exams to study for. And maybe a whole new social life to build!
Studying with depression can be really hard and those promised glory days might not be the reality for you:
- You might be homesick and finding it upsetting being away from family and friends – maybe for the first time
- You might be finding it hard to settle into your accommodation or sharing a flat with people you don’t know
- You might be anxious about meeting new people and finding it hard to make new friends
- You may struggle to keep up with your course and to do assignments
It becomes harder to concentrate and think clearly, makes you more emotional, impacts on your physical health and basically means life can become less enjoyable.
As a student you’ll expect certain levels of stress, particularly around exam time, but if you are finding that your stress levels are becoming unmanageable and that you are feeling really low about your ability to keep up with your course then it is time to get help.
There are plenty of options for getting help.
If you find that you’re getting behind with your coursework, talk to your tutor or to your course leader. They may be able to arrange an extension on deadlines for you or look at other ways to help you keep up. It’s not like school; don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Most colleges and universities offer counselling. This will give you the chance to speak to someone in a non-judgmental and confidential environment. Read more about counselling. Ask student services about counselling in your college or university.
Many universities have a nightline service. Nightline is a listening, emotional support, information and supplies service, run by students for students and open at night when few other services are available. There will be details in the university student union.
Your student union may be able offer advice on practical matters that affect you as a student like housing and money. They can also tell you what other support is available at your college or university.
If you have a disability, including mental health problems, the disabled students’ office may be able to help you. They can help you get a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and extra help to complete your course.
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