Graduating from high school to university is a very exciting opportunity for any learner. At least it was for me. Little did I know, i would face many overlooked challenges that almost cost me my entire academic career as I had to cope with depression.
I wish had I noticed the signs earlier and knew what was eating me from within. It started as long sleepless nights, then came a time when I wanted to keep to myself. I felt like university was just not for me. This made me drive away most of my friends. Studying became so hard because I could not concentrate io
At first, imagining a life without guardian supervision sounds all fun and games. Until you actually have to live on your own and make some serious life decisions. That is when it dawned on me that I was not prepared enough for this. I am in a new environment and I fear almost everything and everyone I meet. You are afraid of the so called "bad company" which makes socialising very difficult.
As a university student, you are fuelled by the underlying pressure to make it and succeed in your studies. Parents expectations are usually at the peak of Mt Everest, while teachers expect you to be perfect if not better. Sometimes you forget you are human and there is room for mistakes. The struggle to work hard drives you into mental torture so that you do not give yourself a break. You become an academic zombie.
Coming from a humble background can be very challenging while in university. Especially in this generation where social media gets in our heads so much. You have to dress fancy in order to fit in with other students. For someone that was not used to being judged on how I dress, eat and talk this was very demoralising. I constantly felt like I did not fit in well with others. So, I isolated myself.
I could have prevented depression if I was more informed. Or, if I spoke to someone about how i felt instead of isolating myself. Many university students are being consumed slowly by depression; sadly they do not realise it. This is the cause of many suicides and drug abuse by our students.
I have a few tips that worked out for me in coping with depression at university and they can for any struggling student out there.
I wish had I noticed the signs earlier and knew what was eating me from within. It started as long sleepless nights, then came a time when I wanted to keep to myself. I felt like university was just not for me. This made me drive away most of my friends. Studying became so hard because I could not concentrate io
At first, imagining a life without guardian supervision sounds all fun and games. Until you actually have to live on your own and make some serious life decisions. That is when it dawned on me that I was not prepared enough for this. I am in a new environment and I fear almost everything and everyone I meet. You are afraid of the so called "bad company" which makes socialising very difficult.
As a university student, you are fuelled by the underlying pressure to make it and succeed in your studies. Parents expectations are usually at the peak of Mt Everest, while teachers expect you to be perfect if not better. Sometimes you forget you are human and there is room for mistakes. The struggle to work hard drives you into mental torture so that you do not give yourself a break. You become an academic zombie.
Coming from a humble background can be very challenging while in university. Especially in this generation where social media gets in our heads so much. You have to dress fancy in order to fit in with other students. For someone that was not used to being judged on how I dress, eat and talk this was very demoralising. I constantly felt like I did not fit in well with others. So, I isolated myself.
I could have prevented depression if I was more informed. Or, if I spoke to someone about how i felt instead of isolating myself. Many university students are being consumed slowly by depression; sadly they do not realise it. This is the cause of many suicides and drug abuse by our students.
I have a few tips that worked out for me in coping with depression at university and they can for any struggling student out there.
My Tips for Coping with Depression
1. Talk to your friends and family for support
2. Go for therapy and counselling
3. Practice self-care exercises
4. Avoid stressful encounters
5. Maintain a daily routine
Wrapping it up
Rebecca Manani
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