Depression on the rise among college students

by Brandon Athey
Features Editor

Before heading off to college, studies suggest undergraduates may want to pack a prescription of Prozac with them, as depression has been on the rise among college students in recent years. According to information given by Kristin Larson, visiting assistant professor of psychology, up to 42 percent of college students surveyed nationwide in 2001 suffered from some form of depression. In comparison, the same survey said only 20 percent of college students had similar problems with mental health in 1989. In little over a decade’s time, the amount of college students with depression more than doubled. To put this in perspective, only 10 percent of MC students, who seek counseling, have some form of depression.

According to Larson, the leading cause of depression among college students is grade problems (53 percent), followed by troubles caused by financial difficulties and romantic relationships. A family history of the disease is also common, with stress also being a major factor.

Causes for depression include, according to a 2002 “USA Today” article on the subject, “family dysfunction at home, the 18-25 age group being particularly susceptible to mental illness and anxiety disorders, and complex real-world and college-life existences.” As of 2003, 30 percent of college students surveyed said they were depressed because they felt overwhelmed much of the time due to everyday college stressors that many take for granted.

Unfortunately, not all depressed college students seek the help they truly need. According to Larson, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, with alcohol-related incidents being the first. On average, 1000 college students commit suicide each year. However, this does not have to be the case. There are plenty of resources out there for college students to utilize in order to battle, and possibly overcome, depression. One interesting resource on the Internet is a depression site aimed directly toward college students, called www.campusblues.com. This is one of the more useful sites on-line, because it includes ways to help in various college-related situations, including drinking, promiscuity, gambling and drug use. The National Institute of Mental Health is also a commendable website. It features a section geared directly toward college students, proving that there truly is help available for those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

MC students who think they suffer from depression after viewing the aforementioned symptoms and causes are urged to contact Dean Jacquelyn Condon at the Office of Student Affairs (ext. 2114) to make an appointment with an on-campus counselor. Everyone suffers from the blues every now and then, but depression does not have to be permanent. If the included checklist rings true, get help. Those who get the assistance and support they need will be all the better for it.   

Most common symptoms of depression

• Increased sadness or anxiety.
• Decreased energy/fatigue.
• Reduced interest in favorite activities/socializing.
• Sleep disorders such as insomnia, oversleeping.
• Irritability or excessive crying.
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt.
• Appetite changes (weight loss or gain).
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Chronic aches and pains not otherwise explained by other ailments or conditions.

Information courtesy of

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/students.cfm