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For many, going to uni is the first major life change
they're to experience. The transition can be difficult,
sometimes leading to anxiety and depression. Here's
how to look after your emotional, as well as physical
wellbeing. |
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| Liz
Hambrook, 21, was really looking forward to university.
She had applied for a course in genetics and was
doing something that she really wanted to. However,
she did have reservations about it.
I suppose I was frightened about making friends,she admits. I left going there
until the last minute. I didn't have much confidence
– I felt scared. Also my boyfriend and I
were in the process of splitting up. So maybe,
that didn't help.
I was only there for a few weeks, when I felt very low. I kept crying, and when
I went to bed I wasn't sleeping. I was missing lectures
and not doing in any work. I didn't want to tell
anyone, no one wants to admit they're depressed.
I was making friends, but I didn't feel I knew them
well enough.
Liz wasn't new to the feelings of depression. When she was 16, she'd been overwhelmed
by anxiety while doing her GCSEs and had been treated
with the antidepressant Diazepam.
At uni, however, it got to the point where Liz wanted to go home. I rang my parents,
but they said I'd get use to it. One day, I got
up and went home without telling anyone. My parents
were upset.
Liz stayed at home for a couple of months: I lost nearly a stone in weight, my
appetite was so poor. At one point my periods stopped.
It was like my body shut down, because of all the
stress. I also didn't want to listen to music, when
I normally love to. It's like having a wall between
you made of glass, where you can see everyone but
not feel anything. You lose interest in everything.
Click
here for how to recognise the signs of depresssion.
Liz had a second episode of depression after Christmas
in her second year of university. I felt stressed
again. I was seeing this guy, but he couldn't handle
it. Click
here for the different ways girls and guys
handle depression. I went home for a couple of months.
She saw a university counsellor during both episodes. The first time was hard.
I didn't really get on with the councillor. The
second time, I got on much better cos I'd got to
know him. It really helped; I felt better and I
put on weight. I wanted to listen to music, maybe
read bit. And I also started feeling I cared about
people again; I got my emotions back.
Liz's illness did affect her studying:I found I didn't have any motivation, and
found it hard to concentrate. But a week before
the exams, things improved and I actually did OK.
Liz took her third year off to do research. She hasn't had any further periods
of depression, but was advised on anti-depressant
therapy: They decided I should take a course of
anti-depressants for five years, since my depression
had been recurrent. But I use them in a positive
way. I also set up a support group last year, for
students at uni in the same boat.
Studies show that 10-20 per cent of students will
need psychiatric treatment before they graduate.
Being part of a support group helps to diminish
the taboo associated with depression. Click
here for steps on getting help .This year,
I'm going to be the disability officer in the union
and I'll develop the group into a mental health
support group.
Liz is also involved with the Welsh branch of the Depression Alliance and has
taken an A-level in psychology. The longer you leave
things, the harder it is. See a doctor and insist
on getting councilling, don't be fobbed off. Join
a support group; it helps to know you're not a freak.
Click
here for useful links and contact details.
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