The Foggy Semester: Dealing with Low-Key Depression in College.
College life is often portrayed as an exciting journey filled with new experiences and opportunities. However, the reality for many students can be far more complex. Amidst the whirlwind of classes, deadlines, and social pressures, it's not uncommon to experience periods of emotional turbulence. But what happens when that occasional low mood transforms into a persistent fog, clouding your daily experiences?
This lingering sense of unease might be what experts call "low-key depression" - a subtle yet impactful form of mental health struggle that can significantly affect a student's well-being and academic performance. Unlike major depressive disorder, low-key depression (also known as persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia) can be harder to recognize, often masquerading as stress or burnout.
Recognizing the Signs of Living in the Fog.
If you're feeling off but can't quite put your finger on why, you might be dealing with low-key depression. Here are some signs:
Feeling blah: You just don't feel excited about much anymore. Activities you used to love feel like a chore.
Sleeping all the time (or not at all): You either can't get out of bed or can't seem to fall asleep, even when you're exhausted.
Changes in appetite: You might find yourself eating way more or way less than usual.
Foggy brain: Focusing on lectures or studying feels impossible.
Irritability: Everyone seems to be getting on your nerves, and you have a shorter fuse than usual.
Feeling worthless: The negative self-talk monster is taking over, convincing you that you're a failure.
Social Withdrawal: You avoid friends and social gatherings, preferring to stay alone in your room, often making excuses to not go out.
Breaking Free from the Fog.
If these signs sound familiar, don't panic. Low-key depression is treatable. Here are some tips to help you break free from the fog:
Talk it out: Don't bottle things up! Talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. Sharing how you're feeling can be a huge weight off your shoulders.
Self-care matters: You can't pour from an empty cup. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
Small steps, big difference: Set small, achievable goals for yourself. Did you manage to get out of bed and shower today? That's a win! Celebrate your victories, no matter how small.
Seek professional help: If you're struggling to cope on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help. College campuses often have free or low-cost counseling services available to students.
Remember: You are not alone. Low-key depression is a common issue, and there is help available. With a little effort, you can feel like yourself again and get back to enjoying college life.
Helpful Resources:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 988
The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org (for LGBTQ+ youth)
Feeling blah all the time? Get help for depression to re-engage in college. Request a session.
