The Pressure of Purple: Treatment for Depression and Therapy Insights for Northwestern Students
Northwestern University fosters academic excellence and intellectual growth. Yet, beneath the shiny surface of vibrant campus life, many Wildcats grapple with a common foe – depression. The pressure to get good grades, the uncertainty of the job market, and the everyday challenges of relationships can weigh you down. As a result, depression is on the rise across the country for students like you.
While statistics may indicate an uptick, the outlook for overcoming this foe is bright through Treatment for Depression in Evanston, IL. Since there are many good treatment options, depression does not have to dominate your life. In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options you might consider if you are dealing with depression. Keep reading, and you’ll find the info you need to battle the purple pressure.
Why Does Depression Thrive on College Campuses?
The transition to college life creates tension. Leaving behind friends and family, managing a demanding academic workload, and making new social connections can be overwhelming. Here are some key factors that contribute to depression in Northwestern students:
- Northwestern boasts a competitive student body. The pressure to succeed can be immense. This relentless focus on grades and achievements can fuel feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Moreover, these feelings can morph into depression if left unchecked.
Building a strong friend group takes time and effort, especially in the initial stages of college life. Feeling disconnected from peers and struggling to find a sense of belonging can enhance feelings of loneliness and depression.- College tuition is a major financial burden for many students. Juggling student loans, part-time jobs, and living expenses can create significant stress, impacting mental well-being.
- The “Northwestern perfection” stereotype is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fosters an environment of high achievement. Conversely, it can also lead to a crippling fear of failure. Unfortunately, this fear can contribute to depression when expectations aren’t met.
- Burning the midnight oil is a familiar experience for college students. However, chronic sleep deprivation disrupts brain chemistry. You’re left feeling drained, irritable, and more susceptible to depression.
Who is Most at Risk?
Given the pressures we mentioned above, almost any college student could be at risk for developing depression.
In addition, these statistics about the rates of depression paint a grim picture:
The rate of depression among college students is rising. In a 2021–2022 survey of students across 133 college campuses, 44% of students reported symptoms of depression, and 15% reported seriously considering suicide in the past year.
However, the Mayo Clinic identifies female students, students of color, low-income students, students who are caregivers to children or adults, and LGBTQ+ students as the most at risk. If you fall into one of these categories, you may want to take note. Specifically, the burden you are carrying outside of your academic responsibilities could contribute to your developing depression.
Further, here are a few other risk factors you may want to consider that may make you more susceptible to depression:
- A personal or family history of mental illness.
- Significant life changes or stressful events.
- A lack of social support.
- Having other mental health conditions, like anxiety.
- Substance abuse.
College Blues or True Depression?
As we’ve said several times in this blog, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the stressors of life as a college student. But you might be asking, “How do I know if what I’m feeling is depression?
In essence, here are the clinical symptoms of major depressive disorder:
- Anxiety and panic
- Difficulty with schoolwork
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Emotional outbursts, such as tearfulness, anger, or irritability
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Loss of interest in activities, such as clubs, sports, or other social commitments
- Poor self-esteem
- Sense of being overwhelmed
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Unrealistic guilt
Remember that experiencing one symptom by itself does not mean there is depression. Look to see if you have a cluster of the symptoms and if the symptoms are persistent over some time, like two weeks or more. In addition, don’t forget that depression can manifest a little differently in everyone.
Who Can Help Me?
Your depression might wear a mask that looks like fatigue. College students are always tired and never get enough sleep, right? But, you may start to feel like even the easiest daily tasks are too challenging. You might begin neglecting hobbies you once loved, withdrawing from Netflix nights with your squad, or struggling to focus in your French class.
Sleep patterns can become disrupted, too. You could have insomnia or find yourself sleeping more than usual. Changes in appetite are also common. Some people lose interest in food altogether or start restricting it. However, others indulge in unhealthy comfort foods.
Checking in with a therapist can help you identify what is underneath your behaviors. At Evanston Counseling, our compassionate therapists can guide you toward recognizing if you are experiencing common college blues or depression.
Likewise, if you determine together with your therapist that you are dealing with depression, don’t worry. Our therapists are there to help you understand why you feel so sad and help you discover new ways of coping with your stressors.
How about Other Treatment for Depression Options?
According to medical and mental health professionals, antidepressants (especially when coupled with talk therapy) rank as another good option for treating depression.
College psychiatrist Marcia Morris says her research has shown that antidepressant use among college students has doubled in the last decade. She cites the rising rates of depression among college students and the lowering of the stigma as the reasons for this increase. Many students on your campus are grappling with the heaviness of depression, too.
You will want to work with your psychiatrist or physician to find the right antidepressant for you. These medications work to increase the brain chemicals that improve your mood. However, they don’t all similarly function in your body. If you don’t like what your provider prescribes initially, ask to try a different medication.
Along with medications, many lifestyle changes can also help to boost your mood. In this blog, we talk about how changing your daily activities can work to help you feel better. Consider the following:
- Eat a healthy diet (get some veggies in with your ramen)
- Sleep as much as your schedule allows
- Exercise or get in some movement (personal dance parties count!)
- Limit drinking
- Drop recreational drug use
- Connect with family and friends
Always remember, if you feel sad enough to want to end your life, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. You can find someone to talk to 24/7. They have several free resources for you and will keep your call confidential. Or call 988.
Our therapists in Evanston are also here to encourage, provide mental health resources, and remind you to have hope. We specialize in counseling for college students and can help you feel better quickly. If you are ready to start feeling more relaxed and calm on campus, reach out to us here.
See How Treatment for Depression in Evanston, IL Can Help You Today!
Are you a Northwestern student feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of college life? Our Treatment for Depression in Evanston, IL at Evanston Counseling is here to support you in managing depression and finding insights through therapy. The college experience can be incredibly challenging, especially when dealing with mental health issues like depression. Our depression therapists specialize in providing therapy tailored to Northwestern students. Whether you’re struggling with academic stress, social pressures, or personal challenges, we’re here to help you navigate these difficulties. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by following the steps below:
- Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
- Speak with an understanding depression therapist.
- Learn how to live a happier life through treatment for depression!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and throughout Illinois
At Evanston Counseling, our commitment extends beyond offering Treatment for Depression in Evanston, IL. We provide a comprehensive range of specialized care to address various mental health concerns. Our therapy services include Therapy for Moms, Therapy for Young Adults, Therapy for College Students, and Therapy for Teenagers, catering to individuals facing challenges like Anxiety, and Chronic Pain. We embrace diverse therapeutic modalities, including Hypnotherapy, Pet Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring a personalized approach that meets the unique needs of those seeking support. Reach out to us today to discover how our experienced team can equip you with valuable tools and strategies for emotional well-being, fostering a balanced and happier life.
