For many college students, one of the most challenging things to cope with is depression. There are countless of other things to worry about like tests to study for, papers to write and projects to do; but when that split moment of silence hits bottom, and a student becomes depressed, many questions begin to arise.

How do you cope with it? Who do you turn to for answers? And, where do you go to get help?

Students should know one thing:- “You are not alone,” Melissa Hernandez, a staff clinician at UTSA Counseling Services, said.  
       

 
There are two main sides of depression- situational depression and major depression.

“Situational depression is one of the most common problems for students. It is a state of sadness that usually lasts for only a period of time like the loss of a loved one or a break-up in a relationship,” Hernandez said.

 “Major depression stays with the individual for an extended period of time. These episodes can last from a few weeks to several months. Usually the individual has difficulty sleeping or is sleeping too much, not wanting to do things they usually enjoy, or becoming isolated from those they love,” Hernandez said.

“To have major depression doesn’t necessarily mean you must have all of these factors. In many cases, sometimes students don’t know why or how they got depressed. That’s why we are here.”  

Once someone has experienced depression, they are likely to experience it again. But, if the student is able to get help and support, the probability of them overcoming it alone when the reoccurrence comes back are higher.

“The clinical part of depression is treatable, though it is not something a student has to live with,” Hernandez said.

When dealing with depression, “one of the golden standards is a combination of talk therapy and medication. This might not be what is recommended for every student. We may do one or another, or in some cases both, depending on the situation,” Hernandez said.

 “Depression is different for everyone,” she said.

Usually you know you’re depressed when you don’t follow through with your regular routines such as school and work obligations. Students may also find themselves sleeping a lot, or losing or gaining a significant amount of weight.  It is not one symptom by itself, but several of them together.

 If you know someone that is depression, don’t ignore it, help them.

“Depending how severe it is, sometimes the individual can get through it on his/her own,” Hernandez said. 

First and foremost, “be supportive and most importantly listen. Help the individual find resources to overcome this feeling, counseling is not always required. Sometimes it takes seeing a physician, talking to family and friends, participating in activities, or just getting out of the house for some fresh air,” Hernandez said.

Though, “one of the big risks of depression  is suicide. When suicide or any kind of harm to self or another is mentioned it is definitely important to get professional help immediately. If someone is feeling suicidal, please don’t wait. Students can come by the UTSA Counseling Services, contact police or call suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255,” Hernandez said.

When a student has reached out to family and friends, and they are still not following through with regular tasks they need to seek professional help.

UTSA Counseling Services is free to all students on campus and located across from the REC Center. And there is also counseling available at the downtown campus. Students can make an appointment and walk-ins are offered as well. 

“We want students to know that there is help out there, and that they are not alone. They don’t have to suffer through depression by themselves and we encourage students to come by,” Hernandez said.