College students are susceptible to depression due to such factors as stress from school work, finances or feeling isolated after moving away from friends and family.
With high suicide rate among college and university students, it is important to look at ways to deal with it.
Depression is a serious but common and treatable illness. Therefore, no one should suffer in silence.
Still, depression and anxiety have become increasingly prevalent among today's college students. This has made many college students not perform well due to mental health issues.
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Symptoms of depression include lack of interest in activities one used to enjoy, feeling worthless and guilty. These might lead to suicidal thoughts which need to be addressed early enough.
No one should cope with depression alone. Trained and licensed mental health professionals can provide support. Psychotherapy can help individuals identify what issues are fuelling their depression and how best to address these issues.
It can also help reduce symptoms of depression and also prevent future episodes. All colleges should be compelled to provide counseling centres for students to access at little or no cost.
Therapists should also be hired in colleges to support students through counseling. The counseling centres should also be made available online such as in the institutions' websites.
Healthy living styles can help prevent depression. These include getting enough sleep and exercise.
Eating a healthy diet is important to provide brain and body with enough energy to fight depression.
Avoiding drugs and alcohol, which is prevalent among people nursing depression, is also important.
Sebastian Kimeu, Nairobi
