Coping with Depression as a Student

School can be challenging for many people, depression does not make it any easier. Unfortunately, its very difficult to do your best academically when your brain is clouded with depression. You may find that its much harder than usual to pay attention, think clearly, solve problems, and recall information. You also may lose your motivation to study and do homework. Suddenly, making good grades and getting into your dream college may seem like hopeless causes or pointless wastes of time. If youve always thought school was important, and suddenly it seems stupid and trivial, thats a classic example of depression at work.

If you are a student with depression, there are some things you can do with depression. One way might be working with your teachers.

Enlist the support of teachers. Believe it or not, theyre on your side. They want to see you succeed as much as you do, but they cant help if you dont communicate about your needs. If you're in middle or high school, ask your parents to request a conference where you, your parents, and your teachers can all sit down and share information. That may sound like the last thing most students would want to do, but in your situation, it can work to your benefit. For one thing, teachers are less likely to view you as a discipline problem when they understand that some changes in your behavior are the symptoms of a mental illness. For another thing, this type of meeting is the first step toward accessing additional help from the school.

Find creative ways to work around depression. Often, little changes can make a big difference. One of my biggest barriers at school for some was making it to class through the crowded hallways. Simply waiting a few minutes until the hall had cleared out helped immensely. Lets say you think this strategy might help you, too. To avoid being counted tardy every day, it just makes sense to talk to your teachers first, explain how this strategy will help you succeed, and ask for their support. Of course, the specific adjustments you request will depend on your situation. If youre having trouble getting things done while you adapt to a new medication, you might ask for extra time on an assignment. If you feel sluggish in the morning, you might try to schedule your most demanding classes later in the day.

Explore other options, if necessary. For most students with depression, relatively simple changes made through informal channels will probably be enough. However, if your symptoms are especially severe, you might need more extensive help. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) is the U.S. special education law, which applies to students who have a disability that affects their ability to benefit from general educational services. Some students with mental illness meet the criteria set out by the law. If you think you might need additional services at school, you can talk to your school to get an initial evaluation to determine whether you qualify under IDEA. If youre eligible, youll receive an individualized educational plan, a written educational plan that outlines the special services you need.

Making sure that your mind and body are healthy can be important in helping manage your depression. Basically, your state of physical health can influence your state of mental health all too easily – a good thing if you take care of yourself physically, and a bad thing if you dont. You can check this resource here for some tips on staying healthy while in university.

Finally, coping with any mental health issue is an immense struggle. Overcoming depression is neither quick nor easy, but it is far from impossible. When you are thoughtful about the way you perceive and feel about the events in your life, you become more sensitive and insightful to the world around you, and this will enable you to grow. You are given the chance to examine yourself critically without being critical of yourself. You learn to change the things you can and adapt to the things you cannot. I wish you all the best.

Discussion

1 How has your depression affected you as a student?

2 What are ways that you have coped?

3 What is one thing that you took away from this article?

Credits

M., E. (2017). Dealing with Depression at School. [online] Students.org. Available at: https://www.students.org/2013/09/04/dealing-with-depression/ [Accessed 20 Aug. 2017].

OUPblog. (2017). Coping With Depression at School | OUPblog. [online] Available at: https://blog.oup.com/2007/04/coping_with_depression_at_school/ [Accessed 20 Aug. 2017].