When Should Students with Depression Seek Professional Help? | Safe and Sound**

When entering the university environment, students face academic pressure and many major changes in life, which can easily lead to psychological problems, especially depression. However, depression in students is often confused with normal stress, causing many to ignore important warning signs. This article will help you recognize the signs and when to see a doctor for depression to get timely support.

Nguyen Thi Mai Anh | Bachelor of Psychology - Applied mental health care

Institute of Medical Technology Applications

1. Correct understanding of depression in students: distinguishing it from normal anxiety

Depression is more than just feeling anxious and insecure.

Sadness, stress or anxiety are normal emotions that anyone, especially students, can experience during the process of learning and growing up. These emotions appear when faced with exam pressure, failure, loss or changes in life. In such cases, feeling depressed, low on energy, emotional or wanting to cry is completely natural and will gradually decrease over time as the individual learns to adapt.

Depression, however, is not the same as ordinary sadness. It is not just a passing emotion, but a serious, long-term mental health problem that can negatively affect many aspects of life: learning, sleep, eating, relationships and the ability to enjoy life.

Psychologists distinguish depression from other stress and anxiety problems by considering their severity, frequency, and how much they affect daily life. Common anxiety feelings are a natural response to a specific situation (e.g., anxiety before an exam, sadness after a breakup, nervousness when starting a new job). These feelings are usually temporary and do not significantly affect daily activities.

Depression occurs when symptoms last for two weeks or longer, do not improve after the stressful event has passed, and significantly interfere with daily activities. People with depression may experience persistent fatigue, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, excessive or insomnia, irregular eating patterns, and withdrawal from social activities.

2. When should students see a doctor for depression?

According to psychological experts, students should proactively seek professional help when they notice the following important signs:

2.1. Abnormal physical symptoms

Unusual weight changes : Sudden, uncontrolled weight gain or loss in a short period of time is something to be aware of. If your body weight increases or decreases by more than 5% of your original weight within a month without any specific diet, exercise or medical condition, it could be a sign of mental health imbalance. This condition often stems from problems such as depression, where appetite changes significantly, you may eat very little or eat too much, leading to rapid weight gain or loss.
Sleep disorders : Sleep-related problems are also common during depression. Students may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing frequent sleep interruptions. Conversely, some people may experience excessive sleep, feeling tired despite getting enough sleep. These disorders directly affect mental and physical health, reducing concentration, academic performance, and quality of life.
Slurred, rapid or unclear speech : When a person begins to speak at an unusually fast pace, with confused, stuttering or unintelligible sentences, this may be a sign of panic or loss of emotional control. This condition often occurs when the mind is overloaded, stressed or disturbed, making the person unable to concentrate and control speech as usual.
Physical symptoms without a medical explanation : Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive upset or body aches without an obvious medical cause can be a potential sign of mental health problems. Psychologists recommend that if these symptoms persist, you should consider seeking professional help for appropriate support.

Unusual physical symptoms are important signs of depression.

2.2. Changes in behavior and emotions

Excessive anxiety : trembling, sweating, losing composure even in normal situations. People experiencing this state may feel fear for no reason, worry continuously and easily fall into a state of panic, leading to a clear loss of emotional control, negatively affecting daily life and spirit.
Difficulty in controlling emotions : sudden mood swings, easily falling into a state of sadness, easily crying or becoming angry without a clear reason. These emotional changes happen quickly and are difficult to control, making the individual feel unstable and stressed. Frequent irritability, anger or strong reactions to small things can also be signs of depression.
Loss of interest, persistent sadness : People experiencing depression often lose interest in activities that used to bring them joy, such as meeting friends, pursuing hobbies, or participating in outdoor activities. Everything seems meaningless and empty, and excitement gradually disappears, even for the things they once enjoyed the most.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions : Mental instability can make it difficult for students to maintain attention, often getting distracted even with simple tasks. The ability to remember information is reduced, making it difficult to make small choices such as choosing what to eat or larger choices such as deciding to study.
Social withdrawal : Isolating from friends and family or avoiding social interactions altogether. This withdrawal is not due to a temporary need for rest, but is persistent, recurring, and without any apparent reason, reflecting a psychological state of disconnection or a feeling of not belonging to the relationships around you. This can be a sign of underlying mental health problems, especially depression.

2.3. Self-harm and dangerous behaviors

Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness : expressed through thoughts of having no way out, seeing no future or meaning in life. Accompanying these are statements that express deep pessimism such as: "I want to disappear" , "There is no reason to try anymore" , or "Living like this is not worth it anymore" . These statements are not simply complaints, but can be serious warning signs of mental health, especially when they appear frequently or in many forms (speaking, writing, sharing metaphors).
Feeling worthless or excessive guilt : this feeling often goes beyond the usual low self-esteem. People with signs of depression may constantly torment themselves for small mistakes in the past, feeling like they are a burden to others even though there is no real basis. They tend to think negatively about themselves, thinking that all efforts are meaningless, no one needs them, and they are not worthy of help or love. This feeling, if prolonged, can easily cause the individual to lose the motivation to try, become resigned, alienate themselves from surrounding relationships and sink deeper into a feeling of guilt.
Self-harming behavior : can manifest in a variety of extreme behaviors and can be easily overlooked if not carefully observed. People with depression may self-harm by cutting, scratching, creating bruises or abrasions without any clear explanation. These actions are often a way to relieve psychological pain when emotions become overwhelming, or to feel “something” in a state of emotional numbness.
Suicidal thoughts : Thoughts of death or suicide can range from fleeting thoughts like “I wish I could disappear” to more concrete intentions, with specific plans. People experiencing this state may feel that life is meaningless, believing that their death will be better for everyone around them. In some cases, they may research ways to commit suicide or engage in self-harming behavior. According to psychologists, this is a serious sign, reflecting a serious level of depression and should quickly seek professional help.

Overreaction, hurting others : On the other hand, emotional repression can also erupt into violent or destructive behaviors that are difficult to control. Reactions such as smashing things, screaming, getting angry beyond the situation, or attacking others, are often manifestations of serious emotional instability.

If the above symptoms last for at least 2 weeks and show no signs of improvement, especially if there are negative thoughts and self-harming behaviors, it is essential to see a psychologist or psychiatrist. Seeing a specialist will help you accurately assess your mental health condition, thereby receiving appropriate treatment and timely support.

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