Here it is again… the wonderful weather and fun that comes with late summer and early fall in Athens, Georgia! This is a high time in Athens, UGA, NGU, Athens Tech, Piedmont and the Athens community at large! There are new friends to make, old friends to reconnect with, football is on its way, everything is fresh with new hopes and new beginnings!
So why do you feel horrible?
In spite of all the excitement and fun college life can bring, there can be problems. Some of the problems may come with you while others develop while here at school. It is not uncommon for college students to struggle with depression, anxiety and stress.
BestColleges.com reports that 80% of college students feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and a full 50% struggle in school due to anxiety. In addition to depression, anxiety and other disorders, problems in relationships can be a significant factor in a person’s overall happiness and contentment. There are so many variations of relationship issues within one’s friend group, roommate issues, dating and romantic relationships, and all of them are important and need to be resolved in the best way possible. Being homesick, away from the comfort of family and friends is an issue that impacts many college students. Therapy with a compassionate, non-judgmental and experienced psychologist can be an enormous help. I have outlined little snippets about these issues along with some of the symptoms that you may be experiencing. Some people feel like “I feel like crap, but is it serious enough to seek out help?” The answer is a resounding YES!
Depression
There are a number of kinds of depression, ranging from low-grade, persistent depression to major depression and bipolar disorder. A long-term depression is often discovered in early adulthood, when one realizes that they are functioning, but they are not happy or satisfied. It is hard to look around and see that life should be good – you have everything that is necessary, and much that is wanted. You are in college, living what many believe are to be the ‘best years of their your life,’ so why are you unhappy, maybe even miserable? If this sounds like your experience, then maybe you are indeed suffering from depression. Major depression is typically more debilitating than the former type mentioned. While sometimes one is depressed for no “good” reason, some depressive states are due to a situation or an event that has occurred, or a relationship that is troubled or has soured. Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms of depression. You might check off any symptoms listed in your experience. So, what are the symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of Depression
- Depressed mood nearly all day
- Loss of self-esteem
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Decreased OR increased appetite
- Insomnia OR over-sleeping
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Loss of interest in sex
- Loss of hope that life is worthwhile
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Difficulty concentrating
- Recurrent thoughts of death or dying
- Thoughts of harming oneself in some way
- Suicide plans
If you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed, please seek help! Check with the UGA Health Center or get in touch with a psychologist practicing in the Athens community.
I am a Licensed Psychologist with nearly 25 years of experience. I have worked with and counseled hundreds of college students and helped them get the most out of their college experience. I am also the mother of three – all of whom went to UGA and had similar pressures and problems that you may be having now….so I get it…..I will be happy to see you – just give my office a call at 706-552-2820, or email me at dr.brawner@athensareapsychotherapy.com . I’m located right off campus and am easy to get to.
Anxiety is very common in college students. Maybe you feel anxious before a big test or a speech that you have to give in front of your class. Anxiety is a feeling of dread or worry, that can get in the way of, that can get in the way of you living your life effectively and comfortably. Sometimes people are anxious all of the time, even keeping them awake at night, while others may experience anxiety intermittently with or without obvious triggers. Social anxiety is very common and gets in the way of meeting new people which significantly hampers making and participating in satisfactory friend groups. Some of the symptoms of anxiety are listed below.
Symptoms of Anxiety
- Unrealistic/excessive worry or anxiety about things in
- Tension, restlessness and fatigue
- Feeling keyed up and on edge
- Insomnia
- Mind going blank due to anxiety
- Irritability
Symptoms of Social Anxiety
- Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations
- Fear of acting in a way that will be embarrassing
- Social situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety
- The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the social situation
- The fear, anxiety or avoidance is persistent, lasting for 6 months or more
- The fear, anxiety or avoidance causes great distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
It is easy to see how the presence and experience of anxiety might interfere with making friends, getting comfortable in your new environment with new people, and in your academics. As noted above, anxiety can make your mind go blank and you may forget things you know very well, for example while making a presentation or while taking an exam.
If you have some of these symptoms, it is important to contact a mental health professional who can help you better understand, cope with and possibly eradicate your symptoms. Again, sometimes both medicine and psychotherapy together are necessary. Your psychologist will know if that is the case, and will refer you to someone who will help you with the medicine side of things.
College should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Don’t let problems with stress, depression, anxiety or relationship issues get in your way!
My practice is easy to get to in Five Points at the Athens Psychotherapy Center on South Lumpkin Street, a block away from Barberitos. I will be most happy to see and work with you in your effort to beat your depression, anxiety or other issues with which you need help. Please call me at 706-552-2820 or email me at dr.brawner@athensareapsychotherapy.com and make an appointment so that we can get you on your way to start really enjoying and excelling at your college experience!
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