According to the NIMH, depression can be treated, even in its most severe forms. However, treatment is more effective the earlier it begins. This is why it’s important to speak with a mental health professional who can diagnose the issue.
All bodies are different, but the National Sleep Foundation recommends that healthy young adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep allows the body to recover which helps keep a person mentally and physically healthy.
It’s easy for college students to lose focus and feel scattered due to all the commitments they’re trying to balance, both socially and academically. That’s why mindfulness, is defined as staying aware and conscious in the present moment.
Being able to juggle the demands of a college student can be overwhelming. Major stress is a risk factor for depression, and college often presents major stressors like maintaining academic performance and creating new friendships.
With the pressure placed on students to succeed academically, while still trying to fit in with the party culture on many college campuses, drug and alcohol use can easily become an issue. To add to that, the past year has caused many young adults to cope with their mental health with drinking and drugs.
Eating well in college can be difficult. A student may even forget to eat due to studying for a test or having a jam-packed schedule. So, it may not seem realistic to make healthy choices when deciding what to eat.
Social connections play a critical role in supporting mental health. If a student is struggling with depression, friends or a trusted family member can be a good support system. Due to social distancing measures, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from loved ones.