College Student Mental Health: Coping with Depression, Stress, and Loneliness

College can be a time of growth and excitement, but for many students, it also brings stress, loneliness, and depression. In this episode, Justin shares his personal journey through the challenges of living with depression during his college years. From the early signs of struggle in adolescence to a crisis point in college, Justin’s story highlights the importance of awareness, support, and recovery.

He opens up about the impact of isolation, the night he nearly ended his life, and how reaching out to his family and seeking treatment gave him a path forward. His honesty and resilience serve as a reminder that while depression can steal time and connection, healing and hope are possible.

This conversation offers support not only for students but also for parents, friends, and educators who want to better understand and address the realities of college mental health.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Understanding depression in college students
• The link between academic pressure, loneliness, and mental health
• Justin’s personal journey from adolescence into a college mental health crisis
• The warning signs of depression and suicidal thinking
• How isolation worsens mental health struggles
• The role of family, therapy, and medication in recovery
• Moving from a suicide attempt to hope and resilience
• Why sharing stories breaks stigma and builds connection

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
 00:42 – Why college student mental health matters
 02:05 – Justin’s early signs of depression in adolescence
 03:14 – College life and the spiral of isolation
 04:18 – Depression’s impact on friendships and academics
 05:22 – Reaching a crisis point: the night Justin almost ended his life
 06:41 – Opening up to his family and beginning the recovery process
 07:52 – Treatment, therapy, and learning patience with medication
 08:47 – Finding hope after surviving depression
 09:35 – Lessons learned: resilience and perseverance in young adulthood
 10:29 – The importance of connection and sharing stories
 11:47 – Justin’s book Hell Has No Stars and closing reflections

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/