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How to Deal with Depression in College: Support, Skills, and a Stronger Path Forward
Jun 3, 2025
College can be one of the most exciting and transformative times in a young person’s life. But for many students, it can also be a time of overwhelming stress, loneliness, and emotional instability.
A 2024 Healthy Minds survey found that 38% of college students reported moderate or severe depressive symptoms, with 19% experiencing severe symptoms.
Depression doesn’t just impact academics—it affects relationships, sleep, motivation, and overall well-being.
Recognizing the Signs of Depression in College Students
College depression can show up in different ways. Some common signs include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawing from friends or skipping classes
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, it’s important to know help is available—and effective.
Why DBT Can Make a Difference
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a powerful, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals manage overwhelming emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build more balanced relationships. For college students, DBT offers practical tools that can reduce emotional distress and help students feel more in control of their lives.
That’s where DBT U from Mental Health Systems comes in.
What Is DBT U?
DBT U is a 12-week virtual DBT skills group specifically designed for college students and college-bound young adults living in Minnesota. It’s ideal for students who need more than once-a-week therapy, and who are navigating challenges like emotional dysregulation, anxiety, impulsivity, or academic instability.
Benefits of Joining DBT U
- Convenient and Flexible: With one weekly 3-hour virtual session, students can attend from anywhere without disrupting their schedule.
- Expert-Led Support: Sessions are led by experienced clinicians who understand the unique challenges college students face.
- Real-World Skills: Students learn how to manage emotions, build better relationships, improve focus, and reduce impulsive behaviors.
- Summer Enrollment: Summer is an ideal time to join, giving students the space to build new skills before returning to campus life.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Mental health support shouldn’t wait. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, DBT U can be a powerful step toward healing. It’s more than a class—it’s a community of students learning how to thrive, one skill at a time.
Contact us at MHS and take the first step toward a stronger, more supported college experience.
