As the weather begins to chill and the pumpkin spice drinks return, some students may find their moods dimming with the season. With October being Depression Awareness Month, it’s a reminder that mental health struggles are just as important to address as academic struggles are.
While simple tips like self-care or going outside can help, students on campus have their own way of staying positive. For some, that can mean developing small routines, and for others it means relying on someone bigger.
“God keeps me going,” said DSC alum, Jada Simpson who graduated with a degree in marketing and sports management. “With Him, I have a future filled with hope, and forgiveness for my past.”
While some students rely on faith, others may rely on fitness. Working out releases mood-boosting endorphins, which is why it’s a widely recommended outlet. But for some student-athletes the game isn’t about the competition, it’s a way to clear minds, get motivated, and bond with friends.
Baseball student-athlete Andrew McWilliams does just that. “I love my teammates,” he said. “We have a really good bond on the team. That’s what keeps me going.”
Students can even find comfort in extracurricular activities by focusing on their goals or creating art. Creative outlets keep people present in the moment and give a temporary sense of control and purpose. For example, theatre student Kennedi Francis finds her purpose on stage.
“Theatre is a big motivator for me,” she said. “If I don’t get to do theatre, I see other areas of my life where I start to struggle. It’s my ‘out.’”
It’s crucial for everyone, not just students, to have an ‘out.’ Depression and its symptoms are not fussy about its victims.
According to a 2023 article from the Mayo Clinic, 44% of college students reported symptoms of depression. Similarly, a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that roughly 42.7% of teachers experience symptoms as well.
DSC faculty members shared their advice on what helps them through everyday life.
“It’s best to increase social interaction to reduce isolation,” said sociology professor Dr. Michael Flota. “Using person-first language and reducing stigma in daily conversations can promote awareness, encourage openness, and support help-seeking behaviors.”
English professor Dr. Jessica Lipsey offered a more personal perspective. “I’ve always been writing, and it’s a great way to work through mental health struggles, but I’m also a runner, and that helps a lot too,” she said. “I find that brain activity and physical activity are the most helpful for me.”