How To Recognize Depression in College Students

Depression in College Students

Depression is a mental health disorder that can impact people of any age or background. However, the mental health of college students is a major concern when you look at the statistics around the prevalence of depression in college students.

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that during college, approximately 10%–30% of students experience depressive symptoms, with some even developing depressive disorders.

Experiencing depression can negatively impact a college student’s grades, as well as their ability to work and engage in social activities. If left untreated, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

Signs of Depression in College Students

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from depression, there are some signs and symptoms to look for. Recognizing depression in college students includes looking for the following:

• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Irritability
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in eating patterns
• Low energy and motivation
• Lack of focus or inability to pay attention
• Change in academic performance
• Poor hygiene
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Sense of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Withdrawing from others
• Intense sadness or numbness

Causes of Depression

It may not always be possible to determine the exact cause of someone’s depression. However, some risk factors for depression include:

• Stressful life events
• Family history of depression
• Changes in hormones (such as during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause)
• Loneliness or isolation
• Alcohol and drug use
• Chronic illness
• Trauma

There may also be some contributing factors for depression that are specific to college students:

• Academic stress and pressure
• Transitioning to college life
• Social adjustments
• Financial concerns

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that college students with higher grades, students studying medicine or allied health sciences, those experiencing higher study stress, and students with poor physical conditions were all at a higher risk of experiencing depression.

Tips for Managing Depression in College

Seeking professional help from a doctor or therapist is the first step towards managing depression. You may be prescribed medication, like antidepressants, or recommended to begin therapy to help alleviate some of your symptoms.

Outside of professional help, managing depression comes down to having a range of coping tools. Alongside medication and therapy, having ways to cope with everyday stressors and triggers will aid in keeping your depression manageable.

Here are just a few ideas of self-help coping tools to incorporate into your routine:

• Take regular breaks when studying
• Make sure you are eating nutritious food throughout your day
• Get plenty of sleep
• Try meditation or yoga
• Don’t isolate yourself, even when you don’t feel like being around others
• Keep your living space somewhat tidy
• Reach out to friends and family and talk about how you are doing
• Practice saying affirmations to yourself
• Utilize mental health resources on campus

How Parents Can Help

As a parent, you may be wondering what support role you can play for a child who is experiencing depression in college. Some suggestions of ways to help are:

• Encourage your child to seek treatment from a healthcare provider or mental health professional
• Be available for your child to talk to you about how they are doing
• Check in with them regularly
• Help them build a support system at their college
• Talk to them about healthy habits and coping skills
• Share local resources around them that they can utilize

Talk to your students about the signs of depression and let them know they can talk to you about anything they are feeling. Show compassion and understanding for their struggle and let them know you are there to support them through it.

How to Treat College Depression

There are several treatment options available for college students experiencing depression.

Talk to your healthcare provider

Many primary care physicians are knowledgeable about the symptoms of depression and can offer resources or medication recommendations to help you treat it.

Start therapy

While medication can help alleviate many depression symptoms, it is not a cure. Regular therapy sessions with a mental health provider will help you maintain healthy habits and learn coping skills to manage your depression.

Attend a peer support group

One of the things that can make depression even worse is isolation. Many depressed students will feel the urge to withdraw and not socialize. Finding a group of other students who are experiencing challenges similar to yours can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and bring some hope to your situation.

In some cases, seek inpatient care

Depression can be severe and is sometimes treated with inpatient care. This means you would spend an amount of time staying in a mental health facility so that the care team can monitor your progress around the clock.

If you are experiencing thoughts or urges to harm yourself or someone else, you should seek emergency medical care right away.

Resources for College Students With Depression

Most college campuses will offer mental health services, whether through school-funded counseling or peer-led support groups. Check with your campus office to find out what resources they provide.

Additionally, some national programs offer support for college students with depression:

• ULifeline is an online resource specifically for college mental health; you can search for your university and discover local resources near you.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a helpline you can call at 1-800-950-6264 and a chat option available online at nami.org/help.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a line you can call for treatment resources at 1-800-662-4357.
• The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, 24/7 service that you can call or text (988) to speak to a trained specialist.

If you are a college student dealing with depression, there are treatment options and support available to you. You do not have to go through this alone – get the help you need today.