If you suffer from major depression, you already know how crippling and disruptive it can be to your life. It is more than just feeling sad or discouraged; it can also cause physical pain or fatigue, and sometimes even the most basic daily tasks can seem insurmountable. If you have struggled with depression throughout your college studies, the idea of going on to grad school may seem terrifying. After all, even more will be expected of you during your grad studies. You may well wonder if your depression will prevent you from getting into a strong graduate program.

The good news is if you take steps to deal with it, depression does not have to keep you out of grad school. Depression, like any other form of mental illness, is at its root an illness—just like any other physical ailment or disability. It may present its challenges, but that doesn't mean you have to let it stop you from achieving your goals. You must simply acknowledge the presence of depression and account for it in your life and your education plan. Furthermore, as mental illness becomes less stigmatized, more and more schools are open to accommodating people who struggle with depression and other mental health issues. Below are some practical steps to seek grad school admission despite your depression.

Get on the Right Treatment Plan

As with any other type of illness, the best way to manage the symptoms of depression is through treatment, whether by medication, therapy, or a combination of these. Just as every case of depression differs, the best treatment path will not be the same for everyone. Work with your doctor to find the best solution for you. Grad school admission committees are often interested in understanding applicants' coping mechanisms and willingness to seek support during challenging times. Seeking treatment not only helps keeps your symptoms in check, but it also demonstrates initiative and commitment to personal growth and well-being.

Be Honest About Your Condition

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to applying for grad school. While it may be tempting to hide the mental health struggles, remember that admission committees often look for well-rounded students who have overcome challenges, developed resilience, and demonstrated potential for success. Revealing your struggles and coping with them can reflect positively on your character, resilience, and commitment to personal and professional growth. Additionally, if the school is aware of your challenges, they will be better equipped to provide solutions to help you through the program.

Leverage Your Strengths

While suffering from depression, it is often easy to feel like you're not doing enough--but remember that tends to distort our perception of reality. Students suffering from depression should take a step back and recognize their strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Taking stock of your achievements can help you articulate your most significant contributions, experiences, and career aspirations in your grad school admission essays and interviews.

Build a Support Network

Having a strong support network is crucial during grad school and mental health recovery. Reaching out to friends, family, and counselors can help you stay motivated, balanced, and focused on your goals, especially during challenging times. Additionally, many grad programs offer resources and accommodations for students with mental health conditions; for example, accommodations such as extended time, reduced course loads, and counseling services may be available—research program policies to determine the level of support you can expect. And finally, if depression causes you to fall behind on your studies, an experienced tutor can help you regain lost ground, from catching up on coursework to prepping for entrance exams.

At Vincent-Pope Tutoring, we view depression as just one of many challenges students may face in achieving their goals--which is why our tutors are trained and skilled to help students find creative solutions to keep them on track. Call us at (919) 593-1378 to learn more.