Dealing with bad days: advice for college students with depression

When I have bad days I dress in clothes that make me happy (comfy clothes like sweats, oversized tee) or I take time to ask myself why I am so depressed and even if I don't want to I'll do art or anything that typically makes me happy. My biggest thing is just sitting outside makes you feel better even if its just to sit in your phone. Hopefully this helps a little

Remind yourself that you only feel this feeling now, and there will be a time where you don’t. Think of your last good day and remind yourself that there is always an end to the depressive feeling. Just like there will always be bad days, there will be GOOD days.

Finch is a great app, it does help you celebrate those small accomplishments like others have said, like standing up, getting out of bed, or even having a glass or water. It helps you vent, set goals, helps you breathe, and much more. Also suggest focusing on you, self care, taking it easy, spend time with friends, entertain yourself with funny videos of cats and dogs, anything to get a laugh or smile, and do celebrate small steps and accomplishments and be proud for those. I’m sorry your school doesn’t do much for mental disabilities.

I suggest thinking about what you want to accomplish for that day and start with the small things that you know you can do. Maybe try to reward yourself or give yourself affirmations throughout the process. It can be simple things like taking meds, self care like brushing your hair or teeth, and maybe looking for something to eat. It might not work for some people but it might be worth a shot.

🙌 😥 ❤️ YES 🙌 THIS IS A COMAN THING, BUT; IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN JUST NOT WANT TO DO THINGS! SUCH AS FOR MYSELF I BARELY 😰 WANT TO SHOWER 🚿 LET ALONE GO OUTSIDE MY FRONT DOOR 🚪 WHEN DEPRESSION HITS HARD!!

I went through the worst depressive episode in my life to date in college. Celebrate the tiniest thing. You got out of bed as soon as you needed to use the bathroom? Gold star! You laughed at a YouTube video? You’re doing amazing! If you can reach out to someone you trust and tell them what’s going on. You aren’t a burden- loved ones… well… LOVE you. They want to be there to support you like you support them. Know it gets better eventually and you can and will ride this wave of nasty brain funkitude out 🥰🤗

The best thing for me when i have a bad day is to dedicate time to some of my favorite hobbies, like art. I don’t know your specifics, but hanging out with friends can sometimes be more stressful on those days, so I prefer to do something relaxing. Sometimes I’ll light candles too. It honestly depends what makes you comfortable and relaxed- and if you don’t know, experiment! Also, if I’m ever too low for self care or any of that, I’ll pretend it’s some sort of challenge, or make up a scenario and sort of play pretend to get myself to do these things. It makes it easier. Hope all is well in college!

I used to deal with the bad days by being with my friends. When I get super depressed I want to be alone, but I make sure I make plans because it at least helps me attempting to get better. But also taking some time out and doing what you like is good too, even if you don’t feel motivated or interested to.

getting my cat (a registered esa) really helped get me out of bed especially if you time the feedings right

Sticking to a set sleeping routine can help reduce depression (I know you'be heard the one a lot), finding something like a favorite pen to take notes with can also help you get excited to be in class

So I do have accommodations but sadly my school doesn’t have much of a focus on things like depression. So I get almost nothing and not anything for depression. Unfortunately my school doesn’t do zoom anymore and I have to be there in person :/

do you have accommodations from the disabilities office? I didn’t think I needed them but once I got them my life CHANGED. also just being in consistent conversation with your professors and asking for a zoom link on those bad days

I'm in college too and I understand that feeling. For me I've been using an app called Finch, it's kinda a self care type of thing but it's really has helped me get through what I need to do. On there you can make the goals that you have for the day and it can be as simple as drinking water to as complicated as finishing an assignment. But you do start off by "adopting" a penguin and the more you check off and use the app the more they grow and its super cute. It's completely free but you can spend 3 dollars (I think) for the premium version