How to Take Classes While Battling Depression

Dealing with depression can be extremely difficult under any circumstances. Dealing with depression while in school can feel almost impossible. Depression affects many aspects of your everyday life including your mood, energy level, sleep patterns, and motivation. Depression also affects the way you approach tasks and how effective your thinking processes are. Due to the impact on your thinking, depression can easily get in the way of your studies and learning process. Dealing with depression while in school involves addressing the depression with your school, treating and managing your depression symptoms, and succeeding academically.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the School's Resources

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Get accommodations. Schools are legally required to provide accommodations to students struggling with physical or mental conditions that impact their ability to learn due to the Americans With Disabilities Act.^{[1]XResearch source} Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns qualify a student for academic accommodations. Getting accommodations in place helps you protect your academic career while you are working on your depression.
- Visit your university's Student Services or Disability Services department to ask about the accommodations process.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceNational Alliance on Mental IllnessGrassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illnessGo to source}
- There is usually some paperwork involved, so if your energy level is not up to it, enlist a family member or friend to help. If you are currently seeing a counselor or have seen one in the past, then you can sign a release to give them permission to communicate with disability services.
- If you are concerned about your professors knowing about your depression, look into the confidentiality rules within your school about accommodations. It is possible that due to confidentiality, the department may not be allowed to disclose what the accommodations are for, only that you qualify for them.
EXPERT TIP
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience, and is now the Clinical Director at Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. She received her Doctor of Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2009. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples.
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Check whether your school has an on-campus counseling center. Psychologist Dr. Liana Georgoulis says: "It can be really lonely and isolating to struggle with anxiety or depression in college, when you're trying to make new friends, deal with classes, and transition into an adult role. Pay attention to the early warning signs of depression, like avoidance, alienation, low motivation, and low energy. If you notice yourself struggling with those, it's a good idea to visit the counseling center on your campus for support."
2
Notify your professors. Even though it can be uncomfortable, it is important your instructors know about your situation.^{[3]XResearch source} One of the challenges for providing care for students is that the teachers or university are often not aware of the students' struggles.^{[4]XResearch source} If you successfully apply for accommodations, your professor will be notified of your status and you won't need to discuss it with them past asking if they were notified. Once your professors are aware of you accommodations they may be able to help by giving you more time on assignments or extra help along the way.
- If you choose to talk to your professor about it, set up an appointment with them.
- Start the conversation by stating why you are there. “I know I have been struggling in your class and I wanted to talk about it with you.”
- Mention your accommodations status. "I am in the process of applying for accommodations," or "I've received accommodations. Have you been notified?"
- Explain as much as you are comfortable with and detail what you are struggling with specifically (assignments, physically getting to class, focusing while you are there, etc.).
- Your teacher may ask how they can help, so have an idea of what might help you be more successful in the class. Try making a list of things that would be helpful for you, such as audio recordings of lectures, more time to complete tests or assignments, or copies of notes or PowerPoints.
EXPERT TIP
"If you're struggling in class, your professors may be more willing to work with you if they see you're taking steps to get help."
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience, and is now the Clinical Director at Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. She received her Doctor of Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2009. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples.
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
3
Visit your school's Psychological or Counseling Services. Make an appointment to talk to someone. Counseling or therapy can help you manage your depression, and can be extremely effective to help students who are struggling with mental health concerns while in school. They will be able to talk with you to help navigate the process. Counselors or therapists will also be able to work with you in overcoming embarrassment or emotional hangups or with telling staff and professors. ^{[5]XResearch source} In addition to individual therapy, college counseling centers can also provide:
- Group therapy programs for students struggling with depression.
- Peer counseling with other students who understand what you are going through.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Additional coping skills to use to help manage your depressive symptoms.
- Advocacy help with the school especially during the accommodations process.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Succeeding Academically

1
Ask a classmate for help. As you are working with your professors and your school, it may also help to have a classmate in each of your classes that you can call on. Identify someone that you are friends with or comfortable with in class. This way, you'll have someone in each class that empathizes with you and what you are battling.^{[7]XResearch source} A classmate will be able to assist you in the following ways.
- They will be able to provide you with class notes or materials, if you need them.
- If you are having difficulty getting up and getting to class, and miss one, your classmate can collect any materials that were handed out for you.
- If you were in class, but struggling with focusing, they can lend you their notes or help you study.
2
Create a workable schedule. Succeeding academically includes working with your schools resources and planning for success. Part of what you can do to help cope with your depression is to build or create your schedule in a way that accounts for symptoms you experience.^{[8]XResearch source} If you have the ability to create your schedule of classes with your school, consider the following.
- Avoid early morning classes if you struggle with getting up in the morning.
- Avoid evening classes if you are usually fatigued at night.
- If your school block schedules classes you may not be able to choose your class times. However, you might be able to substitute the class for an online class from another school. Try and make sure the rest of your schedule works with the symptoms you experience. Schedule studying time, social activities, and even sleeping, so that it will be easier for you to be successful.
3
Adopt good study habits. Adapting your study habits to your experience with depression can also help you succeed. Start by planning your study time and scheduling sleep time as well.^{[9]XResearch source} If getting up in the morning is difficult, make sure you avoid studying late into the night or pulling all-nighters. If you find that you are getting tired or studying is causing more stress, schedule study sessions in short bursts.
- Start studying far in advance of when you think you need to start. This will help to ensure that you have plenty of time to cover everything and allow room for unforeseen setbacks.
- Find a good study spot. If concentration is difficult for you, find a study spot that is quiet with minimal distractions. If you feel better being around others or studying with some background noise, consider studying in common areas or student lounges.
4
Avoid procrastination. Symptoms of depression can include sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. Struggling with these symptoms can cause you to procrastinate or to avoid your studies and schoolwork. Work against those urges to make sure you can keep up with classes and succeed.
- Find an accountability partner to study with you and to help get you back on track when you get distracted.
- Set earlier deadlines for yourself than when assignments are actually due. This will help you avoid waiting until the last minute to complete assignments.
- Reward yourself with tasks you want to do, after completing the schoolwork you are less motivated to do.^{[10]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Coping With Your Symptoms

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Practice self-care. Your health and your safety has to be your number one priority. Depression can be incredibly difficult and can lead to physical health issues as well as suicidal thoughts. Keep in mind that depression is a flaw in chemistry and not in character, and that there is help available. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and not pushing yourself too hard to succeed. Your health is more important.
- Make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, about 6 to 9 hours a day.^{[11]XResearch source} Since excessive sleeping is a symptom of depression, make sure you get enough sleep and keep a log to ensure you are not getting too much.
- Remind yourself to feed and nurture your body by eating well. Depression can often cause a loss of appetite so make sure you are eating regularly and taking vitamins and medicines as directed as well.^{[12]XResearch source} You may also find that you are self-medicating with unhealthy foods, so aim for a balanced diet.
- Exercising will improve your general mental health and self-esteem. Try to exercise 20 minutes a day, three days a week, even if the exercise is just a walk outside. ^{[13]XResearch source}
2
Cope with specific symptoms. Symptoms of depression can include feelings of sadness, physical pain, and fatigue.^{[14]XResearch source} If you attempt to force yourself to attend classes, it will likely not be helpful for you in the long run. Make sure you are giving yourself the time off you need and treating the symptoms as they come up.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break from your schoolwork and do something else, like watching a TV episode, taking a walk, or cooking can be helpful. Likewise, if you are having a good day, then try to accomplish as much as you can. This will help you to feel better about yourself.
- Visit your doctor to address any health or pain issues you are having. Reducing the stress of physical health issues by dealing with them will help you focus on working on your depression.
- Keep a daily record of the symptoms you are experiencing and the severity of those symptoms. Your record can be brief and will be helpful in the management of your depression.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceNational Alliance on Mental IllnessGrassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illnessGo to source}
- Ask your current doctor about antidepressants. Many people who suffer from depression take pills that help adjust the chemicals in their brain.
Having hobbies and activities that you like - whether they're sports, games, crafts, or whatever else - can really help you find balance in your life. School is important, as is making sure you don't get behind in your studies. Your sense of balance and enjoyment in life is also important. Make sure you are taking breaks from your stress and engaging in activities that make you feel good like helping others or volunteering.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}
4
Find a support system.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceNational Alliance on Mental IllnessGrassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illnessGo to source} During this difficult time in your life, it is important to have a strong group of people supporting you. Your support systems can be made up of family, friends, teachers, peers, mental health professionals and medical professionals. Make sure those in your support group are aware of what you are going through and are truly concerned about your health and happiness.
- Being social is a large part of the stereotypical college experience. Know that it's okay to be you or to be introverted. You don't have to go out and do all of the social activities, and you should not feel pressured to do so. However, keep in mind that challenging yourself to do something difficult now and then can help to make you feel better.
5
Talk to your support system about your depression. Telling someone you have depression can be difficult. Identify people who you're comfortable talking to - your family members, trusted friends, teachers, counselors, or therapists - and talk to them about support.^{[18]XResearch source} It is possible to balance your studies, school obligations, and your emotional well-being, but you may need a little help or encouragement from time to time. After identifying who you are comfortable with, ask them to meet with you to talk. Take time to explain to them what you have been going through. When talking to your support system provide information about depression, your experience with depression, as well as its occurrence in colleges.
- ”I wanted to talk to you about something I'm going through. It's difficult for me to talk about.”
- ”I'm struggling with my classes and with school in general. I feel sad all the time and I can't shake it.”
- ”I'm not sure what's going on. It's been really hard for me to get motivated or to enjoy anything lately.”
- ”I just feel like I need some help and I'm not sure what to do.”
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