Depression in Students

By Jane Collingwood
Last updated: 8 Oct 2018
~ 3 MIN READ MO
Students may be particularly vulnerable to depression, with rates at around 14 percent
according to one study in Dublin, Ireland. The background rate among the general
population is thought to be around eight to 12 percent.
About half (46.7 percent) of U.S. young people aged 18 to 24 years are enrolled in college
on a part-time or full-time basis, so this represents a significant number of individuals. The
2006 National Survey of Counseling Centers showed that 92 percent of college directors
believe the number of students with severe psychological problems has increased in recent
years, and is “a growing concern.”

Furthermore, long-term studies suggest an increase in depression over the course of higher
education. A study from the Netherlands found higher burnout rates among fifth-year dental
students than first-year students, especially emotional exhaustion and psychological
distress. Both were linked to worse mental health.
Depression was recorded in 18 percent of students entering the University of
Massachusetts Medical School; this rose to 39 percent in year two, and reduced slightly to
31 percent in year four. The increase over time was greater among females and those with
more perceived stress. Students in medical, dental, law and nursing education often show
particular rises in depression.

Combined anxiety disorder and depression affected about 16 percent of undergraduates at the
University of Michigan in 2007, with thoughts of suicide among two percent of students.
Students with financial problems were at increased risk.
In 2008, a team from Columbia University found that psychiatric disorders affect up to half
of college students, but fewer than 25 percent of those with a mental disorder sought
treatment in the year before the survey.

The researchers state, “The importance of the mental health of college students is
highlighted by studies suggesting that psychiatric disorders interfere with college
attendance and reduce the likelihood of successful college completion, while others suggest
that college students have higher rates of substance use and alcohol use disorders.”

They confirmed the increased rates of substance and alcohol use, and found that
relationship breakdown and loss of social support raised the risk for psychiatric disorders.
“Life stressors were relatively uncommon in this population,” they write, “but when present,
they increased the risk. College-age individuals may have less well-developed coping
mechanisms or less experience than older adults with romantic disappointment and
interpersonal losses, making them particularly vulnerable to the effect of these and related
stressors.”

The researchers suggest that the reluctance to seek treatment for substance use may be
due to stigma, or failure to recognize the need for help. But they warn that delays or failures
to seek treatment often lead to future relapses and a more chronic course of the disorder.
“As these young people represent our nation’s future, urgent action is needed to increase
detection and treatment of psychiatric disorders among college students and their non-
college-attending peers,” they conclude.

This raises the question of whether students are subject to specific distress. Results are
inconclusive. However, distress levels do appear to rise over the course of education, after
graduation, and during the transition from education to professional work, after which
depression scores tend to fall.

A 2010 study of Swedish nurses demonstrates this pattern. The team saw “elevated
distress in the latter part of education that decreased once the graduate had had time to
accommodate to the occupation.” But they also point to the importance of good employment
prospects and job security.

They believe that heightened distress during education is “a transitional phenomenon” that
subsides in most former students. “We think the results indicate an effect of education and
professional establishment on depressive symptoms, but for individuals there are other and
more important factors that affect depression,” they write.

Such risk factors include an episode of depression prior to college, and a family history of
treated depression. Lack of self-confidence, self-blame, stress, isolation, lack of control and
resignation have also been put forward as possible risks for depression after graduation.
Students in higher education are under constant evaluation and after graduation, and may
feel they have to prove themselves capable in their chosen profession. The Swedish team
call on educators and counselors to be sensitive to students who appear highly distressed
at the start of their education.
Depression Among College Students
by Erica Riba and Diana Cusumano

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that of all illnesses, depression is the leading
cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more
than 300 million people are now living with depression. Depression and anxiety are prevalent
problems in colleges across the country. During college, students experience many firsts,
including a new lifestyle, friends, roommates, exposure to a new culture and experiences.
Students may struggle if they can't manage these firsts. If students aren't prepared to cope, they
can become easily susceptible to depression and anxiety.

Depression is a medical condition that can affect a student's ability to work, study, interact with
peers, or take care of themselves. Symptoms of depression may include: difficulty sleeping or
sleeping too much, appetite changes, withdrawing from participating in activities once enjoyed,
feelings of sadness, hopelessness, unhappiness, and difficulty concentrating on school work.
Symptoms of depression can also leads to thoughts of suicide.

Stigma associated with mental illness, can be a significant barrier to seeking treatment. Some
students might not seek help because of concerns over confidentiality and finances. If you or a
loved one are struggling with depression, there are many resources and supports available.

The best place for a student to start if they are feeling down or need someone to talk to is to
reach out to the on-campus counseling center. If your college doesn't have a counseling center or
there is a long waitlist, ask a trusted adult such as a professor, career counselor or RA for help
getting a referral to a therapist in the community.

There are also many hotlines and online resources available:

 The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-TALK, which isn't just a crisis line; students can get
advice and have someone to talk to.
 Crisis text line is a free 24/7 confidential text message service for people in crisis. Text HOME to
741741 in the United States.
 ULifeline is an online resource for college mental health and has a self-evaluatoravailable to connect
students to resources on their campus
 Half of Us features inspirational interviews with artists and athletes along with information about
mental health. A screening tool is also available.
There are things you can do to decrease symptoms of sadness, depression, low motivation, etc. it
is important to take care of yourself such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and avoiding
caffeine and excessive drinking. Social media use is also linked to depression from undermining
self-esteem, to sleep deprivation and social isolation as teenagers and young adults are spending
much less time connecting with their peers in person.

The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent
suicide for our nation's teens and young adults. We partner with high schools and colleges to
strengthen their mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention programs and systems.
We're equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and
each other.

JED launched a new campaign, developed in partnership with Ad Council AFSP and Droga5, to
empower young adults to help friends who are struggling with mental health
issues. SeizetheAwkward.org serves as a great new resource that features tutorial videos,
information on warning signs, conversation starters, tips on how to sustain a conversation around
mental health, and personal story videos from inspiring influencers.

JED Campus is an initiative of The Jed Foundation designed to guide schools through a
collaborative process of comprehensive systems, programs and policy development with
customized support to build upon existing student mental health, substance abuse and suicide
prevention efforts.. Click to learn more!

If you are interested in promoting mental health on campus, there are many ways to get involved:
 Educate yourself - Learn to recognize if you or someone you know is in distress and what to do
 Know the numbers and resources! Be ready to help yourself or a friend. Save the important #s listed
above in your phone
 Be aware of resources available at your school and in the community
 Talk about mental health with friends and family
 Organize an event at your school or in community to raise awareness. For example, consider asking
senior leaders and counseling center staff to hold a screening day focused on depression via National
Depression Screening Day each semester
 Look at the calendar to see when suicide prevention day, world mental health day, and mental
health awareness month takes places to do campaigning, messaging, and programming around help-
seeking and giving