College is a unique experience for everyone, with every student having their own specific struggles in their academic and personal lives. No one person is going to have the same college experience as another person, no one person is going to make (and perhaps lose) the same friends, no one person is going to have the same best and worst professor, and no one person is going to walk to class the same way as another. Despite all of that, there is one experience that’s relatively common; the phenomena known as the “second semester blues” or the “freshman depression” They can occur in the second semester of each year, but are very common amongst freshmen in their very first spring semester. So, what are they, why do they happen, and how can you cope with them?
What are they?
The second semester blues can often be characterized as a general feeling of depression that comes with going into the second semester of the year. In 2014, a survey of more than 150,000 U.S. first-year college students found that 9.5% reported feeling depressed, which could manifest itself in symptoms including but not limited to: anxiety, panic, lack of energy, guilt, and loss of interest in activities.
For many students, the anxiety doesn’t begin when classes start, but over winter break. In 2010, the University of Leicester conducted in an experiment on 30 undergraduate students. This study found that many of these students had an increase in anxiety over winter break before they even returned to college. While this particular study was mainly focused on students that were leaving home and may be experiencing homesickness, there are other causes that can also be applied to community college students.
Why do they happen?
The second semester blues can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from financial stress to the poor weather typical with the start of the spring term. For community college students specifically, they’re more likely to have issues regarding self-esteem — as their grades may take a dip going from high school to college, they may be taking more difficult courses, and they may be experiencing more financial stressors. At four-year universities, many students also experience stress as they struggle to determine which of their new friends will become long-term, as well as difficulties with homesickness. Students may also struggle to get back into the mood for another semester to start, as they get comfortable with the calmness of winter break. It’s important to note though, the second semester blues don’t just have one cause, and as is typical with depression it can onset for seemingly no reason at all.
How can you cope with them?
When it comes to mental health, it’s crucial for individuals to understand that even though it may feel helpless, there are strategies for dealing with these issues and it’s important to know that you are not alone, and many other students are going through similar problems. College is hard! It’s a lot of changes all at once and anything can help! Despite everything, remember to make time for yourself. Find what you enjoy and go do it. Watch a movie, find a show to get into, and when the weather is warm consider getting in touch with nature, little things can go a long way for your mental health.
1. Utilize your resources
If you’re feeling academic stress, and that’s contributing to you feeling down, make the most of everything offered to you. Go to office hours, tutoring, and use any online resources that you may have at your disposal. I know for many it can be a huge step to actively seek out help with classes, but there are a lot of people that want to see you do well and want to help you! If you’re struggling in your classes, this can be so crucial to really help you perform well. Tutoring resources offered by Howard Community College can be found here, and you can ask your professor for additional resources. If you’re feeling financial stress, it’s important to know that there are resources out there to help you, Howard Community College’s financial aid services can be found here, and scholarship services can be found here. Information on Maryland State grants and scholarships can be found here.
2. Maintain and make new relationships
Humans are social creatures, but often when times get tough, individuals may find themselves becoming more distanced from their friends. Simply reaching out and talking to people or asking to hang out can make a massive difference in both your day and the person that you’re talking to. It can also be effective to make new friends! I know talking to new people can be uncomfortable and anxiety inducing, but breaking boundaries can result in you feeling more confident in yourself and be rewarding in the long run. It can start as just a study group, but any way to get to know new people can be extremely rewarding in the long run and relieve stress.
3. Talk to someone!
While there is still a taboo surrounding speaking to a counselor or therapist, they can be extremely helpful for people dealing with issues like routine stress as well as diagnosed mental health issues. Howard Community College offers free counseling services up to a certain number of visits per academic year, more information can be found here. If you’re struggling talking to someone can make a huge difference! If you are in need of emergency counseling, utilize the resources found here.
College is supposed to be the best years of your life, so make the most of it! Prioritize your mental health, find fun in the little things, and enjoy yourself. Utilize every strategy you can to mitigate stress and lead a healthy life. You’re not alone, millions of students have gone before you with similar struggles and they got through it too, it may be difficult for now, but it will get better.
Additional source used for this article: So you have the “Second Semester Blues”, what now…?
