Student Support for Depression

I became Ill during my second year of uni. It took me ages to admit to myself that depression is an illness andstudent support avalible, that its okay to ask for help if you need it. I think its important that people know what support is avaliable to a student and why the should always use it.

During my early stages of depression I would lie to people about doctors appointments, mainly beacause if you say i'm going to the doctors it normally results in the question "aww why? whats wrong?" and I didnt want to explain and im sure they didnt have time to hear my explanation. This reinforced the impresison in my head that being depressed had to be kept a secret and that knowone was allowed to know. In the long run this causes more harm then good. Accepting depression as a plausable illness and being open to talk about it will definitly help you overcome it in the end. Its not easy, I didn't do it, but it will help.

I suggest taking baby steps. Doctors appointments are always a must so make sure you attend regualry and really explain to your doctor your symptoms. I was lucky, I had a really nice doctor who cared how I was doing, but I do know there are a lot of docs out their with little to none social skills.

Talking to firends and family is hard and dangerous. I couldnt do either which was a shame but if you can I think you should, if you have the close relationship with someone its always good to confide.

Most importantly while at University / College talk to the student support team. They normally can sort you out with appropiate councillling and lots of help. In my 4th yeah I finally met with someone from student support after spending ages building up the courage. They offered learning aids, extensions, counciling and even extra money. I was lucky enough not to have to use any of these but it was such a comfort knowing they were there.

I am a slight hipocrit as I remember hating all these support systems. I wanted to lock my self away in my room, or run away to a distant place or just pretend none of it was happening. unfortantly it is happening, and only you can do something about it. . . but not alone. Even if you just find out what support your uni of college offers, at least you know its their if you need to use it =]