College Pressure Is Real
The college years are often described as “the best years of your life,” but for many students, the reality feels different. Heavy coursework, social pressures, financial stress, and adjusting to independence can take a toll. Sometimes it’s burnout — other times, it’s depression. Knowing the difference matters.
Signs It Might Be More Than Burnout
- Persistent low mood or irritability
- Loss of motivation, even for things once enjoyable
- Trouble with sleep or appetite
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed despite efforts to “push through”
Why a Comprehensive Evaluation Matters
Because burnout and depression can look similar, a psychiatric evaluation is the best way to sort out what’s happening. An evaluation identifies whether symptoms are stress-related, depression, or part of a mood disorder like bipolar — and helps guide the right treatment.
Therapy: Building Skills and Support
Therapy provides a safe space for students to work through challenges and learn:
- Coping skills for stress, time management, and transitions
- Healthy ways to handle negative thinking and mood shifts
- Strategies for balancing academic demands with self-care
- Ongoing support for navigating relationships and independence
The Role of Medication
For students with depression or mood disorders, medication may be an important part of treatment. The right medication, monitored carefully, can reduce symptoms enough for therapy and daily life strategies to take hold. Genesight testing can also help guide choices if finding the right medication has been difficult.
Moving Toward Balance
Depression and burnout don’t have to define a college student’s experience. With evaluation, therapy, and — when appropriate — medication, students can find stability, focus, and a better quality of life.
If your student is struggling with low mood or burnout, don’t wait.
