Reader’s Question

I am 24 years old. I used to be very successful in my studies. I was ranked second or third in my class. When I went to college six years ago, I got depressed and I don’t know why. I also couldn’t concentrate in my studies. I’d forget what I studied, even the things I shouldn’t forget. I couldn’t focus and would have daydreams.

I am not organized at all anymore. I try to study day by day with my professors, but I can’t. I hardly study in the last few days before exams, and I either barely pass the exams or I fail.

I know I am smart and have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. In the past I have resisted the depression that now has a hold on my life. My self-confidence has helped me, but not enough.

I decided in the last year to go to Italy to continue my studies, hoping the change would end my depression. But just the opposite happened, and my problems have gotten worse. What can I do?

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Depression isn’t caused by your environment, although certain environmental circumstances can help trigger or exacerbate it. Rather, depression is the result of chemicals in your brain getting out of balance. Some of the symptoms include having trouble concentrating as you describe and losing the motivation to persist on difficult tasks.

The most important thing to do is to get treated for your depression. Once your brain’s biochemistry is back in balance, it will be easier for you to sort out any other contributors to your problems. For example, you might also have some attentional deficiency that needs to be treated. You might also be finding yourself in an academic environment that poses challenges for you that weren’t present in your earlier schooling, thus creating some additional stress. But you won’t have the clarity of mind to sort through the issues until you’re no longer depressed. And you might find many of your problems resolve completely once you’re effectively treated. So, seek help today. More than likely, your school has a counseling center with professionals on staff who can help you. Pay them a visit. You’ll be glad you did.