# What to Do When Depression Hits Source: https://3rdmil.com/what_to_do_when_depression_hits/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T16:45:50+00:00 What to Do When Depression Hits - 3rdmil - Blog [Skip to content](https://3rdmil.com/what_to_do_when_depression_hits/#content) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bg_big_alt.svg) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/people-1492052_1280.jpg) ## What to Do When Depression Hits Depression can feel like an unwelcome guest that overstays its welcome. It’s more than just feeling down or having a bad day; it’s a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. By raising awareness, we can help **break the stigma surrounding depression** and encourage open discussions about mental health. ## Symptoms Depression is an illness that affects your ability to function and cope with life. The typical symptoms are: - Feeling sad, hopeless, irritable, anxious or angry - Changes in appetite or weight - Loss of interest in work, family, or once-pleasurable activities, including sex - Fatigue and lack of energy - Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering details - Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much - Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts - Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems - Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family, or other important activities Through [**Wellbeing 101**](https://3rdmil.com/wellbeing-101/), students learn to recognize these warning signs early and understand when to seek help, for themselves or others. ## Treatment There are many factors that can cause and contribute to depression, all of which are real and treatable. The first step to getting the **right treatment plan** is to reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. By getting properly evaluated, **other health conditions can be ruled out** and you can **receive the correct diagnosis**. Although your individual plan is up to you and your doctor, many people find that therapy, medication, or a combination of both are the **best forms of treatment for depression.** **Therapy**, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a widely recognized and effective treatment for depression. CBT focuses on **identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression**. Through regular sessions with a trained therapist, individuals can gain insight into their emotions, develop coping strategies, and acquire valuable skills to manage their depression. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment to express emotions, leading to **increased self-awareness and personal growth.** Antidepressant **medications** are commonly prescribed to individuals with moderate to severe depression. These medications work by **restoring balance to brain chemicals** (neurotransmitters) involved in regulating mood. It is important to note that medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. While medication can be incredibly helpful in alleviating symptoms, it is generally considered **most effective** when combined with therapy or other forms of treatmen In addition to therapy and medication, making certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact the experience of depression. **Regular exercise** has been shown to release feel-good hormones, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. **Engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose**, practicing mindfulness or meditation, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate sleep are all key elements in managing depression. These are exactly the kinds of practical, everyday strategies emphasized in [**Wellbeing 101**](https://3rdmil.com/wellbeing-101/), empowering students to take proactive steps toward better mental health. ## Resources **Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ➡️ Call 988:** Available 24/7, this lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or someone you know. **Crisis Text Line:** Sometimes, expressing your feelings through text can feel more comfortable than speaking over the phone. By texting **“HOME” to 741741**, you’ll be connected with a trained crisis counselor who will provide you with support and resources. Remember, you don’t have to face your struggles alone; help is just a text away! **Call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you or someone you know are in immediate crisis.** ## Supporting Student Wellbeing Depression is real, but so is recovery, and education plays a powerful role in both prevention and support. By equipping students with knowledge, coping tools, and self-awareness, programs like our course, [**Wellbeing 101**](https://3rdmil.com/wellbeing-101/) help create healthier, more resilient communities. Because when students understand their mental health, they’re better prepared to take care of it. ## Popular Topics: - [Alcohol](https://3rdmil.com/category/alcohol/) - [Drugs](https://3rdmil.com/category/drugs/) - [Cannabis and THC](https://3rdmil.com/category/cannabis-and-thc/) - [Vaping and Nicotine](https://3rdmil.com/category/vaping-and-nicotine/) - [Human Trafficking](https://3rdmil.com/category/human-trafficking/) - [Healthy Relationships](https://3rdmil.com/category/healthy-relationships/) - [Universities and Colleges](https://3rdmil.com/category/universities-and-colleges/) - [High Schools and Middle Schools](https://3rdmil.com/category/high-schools-and-middle-schools/) [https://3rdmil.com/?s=](https://3rdmil.com/?s=) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_desktop.svg) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_mobile.svg) [see all articles tablet](https://3rdmil.com/?s=) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_desktop.svg) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/search_mobile.svg) [Page 1 32](https://3rdmil.com/?s=) ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Page-1-3.svg) ## Related Articles [![bg\_sec2](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/bg_sec2-qgm4sqdgtva4y0szr7luczafz6p3apz36ubh34q1g0.webp) ## AI and Academic Integrity: How Universities Can Prevent AI Cheating and Protect Their Reputation ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/ai-academic-integrity-higher-education/) [![Cannabis\_ A\_Detailed\_Guide-img](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Cannabis_-A_Detailed_Guide-img-scaled-1-qk224g3aw94ulf50ia25tol5l5prkigud7zuec2bbk.jpg) ## The 2018 Farm Bill Explained: What Schools, Courts, and Agencies Must Know in 2026 ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/the-2018-farm-bill-explained-what-schools-courts-and-agencies-must-know-in-2026/) [![hazing prevention photo](https://3rdmil-uploads.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/06212432/hazing-prevention-photo.jpg) ## Hazing Is a Multi-Million Dollar Problem for Universities: Here’s Why Prevention Matters ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/cost-of-hazing-universities/) [![Screenshot 2026-05-07 110053](https://3rdmil-uploads.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/07160103/Screenshot-2026-05-07-110053.png) ## Course Highlight: Hazing & Hosting ![](https://3rdmil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Little-Squares.svg)](https://3rdmil.com/course-highlight-hazing-hosting/) [https://3rdmil.com/?s=](https://3rdmil.com/?s=)