**Depression Among First-Year University Students: The Psychological Shock of Entering College Life | Safe and Sound**
Entering the university door is a major milestone in the life of every young person. University is not only a place to learn specialized knowledge, but also an environment to practice courage, build social relationships and form personal identity. However, contrary to the expectation of a colorful student life, many new students fall into a state of psychological fatigue, loneliness, emotional disorders - signs that can progress to depression if not recognized and intervened promptly.
Ngo Thi Sang | Master of Educational Psychology – Applied mental health care Safe and Sound
Institute of Medical Technology Applications
1. Why are freshmen prone to depression?
a. The shock of transition from high school to university
The shock of transition from high school to university
After finishing the national high school exam - a milestone that students have to spend 12 years preparing for, first-year students immediately enter a completely new environment: independent, away from family, no longer being controlled by time or tutored like in high school. According to psychologists, although this brings a sense of freedom, it also makes many students fall into a state of confusion and disorientation.
No longer had close friends, didn't know anyone in the new class, didn't know how to manage finances, didn't understand the specialized subjects. All these sudden changes created quite a psychological shock.
b. High expectations but reality is not as dreamy as expected
Many freshmen used to be “other people’s kids” in high school – good at studying, energetic, expected to “make it” in college. However, the new environment with hundreds of equally good friends makes them feel like they are just “grains of sand”. Past achievements are no longer enough to make them stand out, which leads to feelings of inferiority, disappointment, and loss of motivation.
This discrepancy between expectations and reality, if prolonged, can cause students to have decreased positive emotions, increased feelings of fatigue, and fall into a state of anxiety or depression.
c. Lack of life skills and adaptation skills
The lack of basic skills such as time management, self-care, conflict resolution, or effective communication… makes it easy for students to fall into a spiral of stress. Many do not dare to share negative emotions with others, do not know how to seek help and face the problem silently, leading to serious psychological trauma.
2. How can depression in freshmen manifest?
Psychologists say that not everyone with depression shows it through sobbing or unusual behavior. Many cases of depression in first-year students occur silently, "silently", making it difficult for outsiders to recognize - even the students themselves are not aware that they have psychological problems.
According to psychological experts, students with early stage depression often experience the following signs:
2.1 Often tired, lack of energy even without much exercise
Often tired, lack of energy
Fatigue here is not simply due to studying too much or lack of sleep. It is mental exhaustion, causing the body to be exhausted, the mind to be sluggish. Even without a very tight schedule or physical activity, many students still feel mentally sluggish, heavy, and do not want to get out of bed every morning.
This feeling can last for days, disrupt daily activities, and is often mistaken for “laziness.”
2.2 Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
This is one of the most characteristic signs of depression: reduced or complete loss of interest in things that once brought joy.
For example, a student who used to enjoy playing the piano, writing a diary, or playing sports suddenly no longer wants to do those things. Even when they have free time, they choose to lie still or surf the internet mindlessly. The joy gradually becomes unfamiliar, replaced by feelings of emptiness and sadness.
2.3 Feeling sad for a long time, without any clear reason
Depression is not always tied to a major event. Psychologists say many students experience persistent sadness that is difficult to explain. They may feel worthless, abandoned, or out of place.
This feeling is not easily dismissed by simple words of encouragement such as “keep trying” or “everything will be fine”. On the contrary, if people around them do not understand, students may become more withdrawn and blame themselves.
2.4 Sleep disorders: insomnia or sleeping too much
Sleep disturbances are a very common symptom of depression. Some students cannot sleep despite being tired, lying awake for hours with negative thoughts swirling around. Others sleep a lot, maybe 10-12 hours a day, but when they wake up they still feel tired and have no desire to do anything.
This change seriously affects the biological clock, disrupting daily study and living schedules.
2.5 Difficulty concentrating, reduced learning performance
Depression affects cognitive function, especially the ability to concentrate and remember. Many students report sitting through hours of studying without remembering what they read, or being unable to complete assignments despite trying.
Psychologists warn: Not achieving the expected results makes students blame themselves even more, thereby forming a negative spiral: poor academic performance - low self-esteem - fatigue - deeper depression.
2.6 Eating disorders: overeating or not eating
Eating disorders: overeating or skipping meals
Emotions have a strong influence on eating habits. Some depressed students eat very little or skip meals altogether because they no longer have an appetite. On the other hand, others overeat, especially sweets or fast food, as a way to soothe negative emotions.
Both of these trends negatively affect physical health and contribute to a state of chronic psychological fatigue.
2.7 Tend to avoid communication and withdraw
Many depressed students begin to withdraw socially. They show up less often in class, avoid friends, and decline invitations to hang out. Sometimes, they block social media, turn off their phones, and lock themselves in their dorms for days.
Not only does isolation increase feelings of loneliness, it also makes students susceptible to negative thoughts and loss of motivation in life.
2.8 Frequently thinking about failure, feeling guilty, useless
One psychological trait of depression is a tendency to be overly self-critical. Students may fret over small things like getting a bad grade, missing a deadline, or not being able to talk to a classmate.
From there, they easily come to the conclusion: “I am incompetent”, “I am useless”, “No one needs me”. These thoughts make their emotions go down and erode their self-esteem.
2.9 More severe cases may include thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
In severe cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors. At first, the student may just say, “I’ll just jump off a bridge,” as a joke, but gradually the thoughts become more pronounced and disturbing.
Some warning signs:
- Searching for information about suicide online
- Write a diary with desperate content, want to disappear
- Suddenly parting with friends, writing farewell letters
- Frequently repeating sentences like: “I am a burden”, “No one understands me”, “It would be easier to die”...
When these symptoms appear, students need immediate intervention from a psychologist, relatives or school support team.
College can be the most beautiful time, but it can also easily become a “silent nightmare” if students are not psychologically prepared. Depression spares no one, even the most active, studious, and smiling students.
It is important that we, from students, families to schools, need to change the way we look at mental health. Mental health care is as important as physical care. Do not hesitate to seek help from a psychologist if you or your child shows signs of emotional instability.
Remember: Every young person deserves to live a real university life: not only studying, but also feeling peaceful, free and happy.
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See also:
Signs of depression in puberty
Listening to your child with a psychologist: Understanding teenage depression
