Depression in College Students

Depression is often used as a synonym for sadness, loss of motivation, and so on in regular conversation. It is essential to understand that depression is different from the common mood fluctuations and emotional reactions we have to the challenges in our everyday lives. The American Psychological Association (APA)^[3] specifies, “Depression is an extreme sadness or despair that lasts more than days. It interferes with daily activities and causes physical symptoms like pain, weight loss or gain, disruption of sleep patterns, or even lack of energy”.  Those undergoing depression can experience worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt and even have difficulty concentrating, sleeping, and losing appetite. It is one of the most common mental disorders globally. However, it is treatable, and a combination of medication, therapy, support from loved ones, and more can ensure a person’s recovery.

Symptoms and Causes

For undergraduates, graduates, and college students at other levels of study, it is essential to understand the causes and symptoms of depression. Understanding the ins and outs of depression can help one determine whether they or someone they know may be experiencing such symptoms or be at risk. Here are some pointers about the symptoms and causes of depression that can help someone get a fundamental understanding of who can be at risk and what signs they should look out for (it should, however, be noted that depression is a clinical disorder, and therefore, seeking the help of a mental health professional for diagnosis can give an accurate and medically adept picture of one’s condition). 

A. Symptoms of Depression

The persistent feeling of loss of interest or sadness that symbolizes significant depression can lead to many behavioral and physical symptoms. One must understand the first signs of depression in oneself or others to take preventive measures immediately. Some of the common symptoms or signs to have a look out for that majorly affect one’s ability to function efficiently include

• Having persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Feeling fatigued throughout the day consistently despite no significant change in routine
• Having irregular sleep patterns or sleep disturbance, including either lack of sound sleep or excessive sleep
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks at hand, observing apparent signs of cognitive dysfunction, and loss of productivity. 
• Significant feelings of restlessness or irritability
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
• Changes in appetite, with most individuals having a lack of appetite
• Some individuals display bodily changes like unexplained digestive issues, persistent pains or aches
• Feelings of anxiousness in everyday tasks or without an apparent cause
• Sexual dysfunction
• Suicidal Ideation^[4] or intent

B. Causes of Depression

There are different viewpoints, studies, and research regarding the causes of depression, and a common conclusion that most of them come to is that there is no single cause of depression. The reasons will vary considerably since people’s personalities, lifestyles, and coping mechanisms differ significantly. In some cases, there are no apparent causes of depression. The most common cause is significant stress, grief due to losing a loved one, relationship breakdown, not getting into one’s dream college, etc. Some individuals are more vulnerable to depression due to their personality traits, like being highly self-critical; this can be linked to inherited genes, early childhood experiences, and sometimes both.  Those with a history of mental illness in their family are more susceptible to developing the disorder. 

One of the causes that can even be seen as a symptom is feeling lonely due to being cut off from one’s friends and family. College is when students are introduced to handling situations independently, and some people try to cope with stressful situations by consuming alcohol or drugs. Substance abuse causes not only emotional implications. However, some substances like alcohol even affect the brain’s chemistry as some act as a central nervous system depressant, slowing down parts of the brain, resulting in impaired cognition and increasing one’s chances of getting depressed. 

Those undergoing some severe life-threatening diseases or chronic conditions may also be more susceptible to developing depressive symptoms. In college, students transitioning from one phase of their life to another can be one of the most significant reasons for depression. Students are expected to deal with nuanced situations very different from the life they have experienced in the comfort of their homes. College life and the pressure to fit in may be stressful for some; stressors like academic and social pressure, fear of missing out, obligations to conform, and more can result in an emotional imbalance in some individuals. 

Here is a summary of the possible causes of depression, including

• Life-changing events like bereavement
• Childhood experiences
• Genetic inheritances
• Medication, alcohol, or another recreational drug
• Physical health problems
• Sleep and diet
• Other associated mental health problems

Suicide Among Graduate Students

In a study conducted on 1180 graduate students by the Graduate Student Council, one-third of these respondents reported feeling dissatisfied or neutral in their mental health condition^[5]. Another study also concludes that graduates are three times more likely than the average individuals in America to experience depression or any other mental health condition^[6]. The mental health of undergraduates is often considered a common cause of concern, and there is a lot of discourse around it. However, the conversation about master’s students is often not spoken about, and this population worldwide needs more resources and support to manage their mental health issues. Many graduates feel overwhelmed by work situations and don’t know where to seek help.

Some of the factors leading to Post-Graduation Depression include

• Transitioning from prior living arrangements, the shift of mindset from student life to working adult, routine, and more
• Challenges in adjusting to mainstream life
• Difficulty in staying in touch with peers and more

Post-graduate symptoms of depression include sadness, decreased motivation, loss of interest in pleasurable things, disorganization, hopelessness, loneliness, and so on.

Many college students generally experience mental health challenges, the highest prevalence being depression. The symptoms of depression can be short-term and directly linked to the challenges of becoming a new applicant, like feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and more. A Healthy Minds Study conducted in 2020 included 33,000 college-goers in the United States; half are projected to have depression or anxiety, and sometimes more^[14]. Another research conducted by the same organization reports that the mental health of college students across different regions in the United States has been declining from 2013 to 2031. The number of applicants meeting this criterion will have doubled by 2021^[15]. The average onset of depression is late to mid-20s, and 1 out of 15 adults are reported to experience some symptoms of depression. However, researchers have linked the increase in depression to heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, mental health crisis exists even beyond the university setting. Those taking up coursework online may have to manage the course load and family or full-time work responsibilities. When one faces many challenges, learners generally become frustrated, burned out, or even overwhelmed, increasing their risk of developing depression. Some of the most common risk factors related to students attending institutions include

Those who are themselves or know someone in immediate danger can call 9-1-1, contact medical professionals, go to an emergency room immediately, call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or text HOME to 741-741 to connect with Crisis Text Line’s crisis counselor from any part of the U.S. There are many people, organizations, and resources that can help one to get through tough times. People are on standby in such organizations who are ready to help without judgment. Some such organizations include

National Institute of Mental Health

The National Institute of Mental Health is the leading federal agency for resources and research on mental disorders. They provide resources to find a healthcare treatment or provider, decide if providers are right for them, understand more about mental disorders, and get immediate help during a crisis by contacting crisis counselors on their 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or AFSP is a kind of voluntary health organization giving those who are affected by suicide a community that is empowered with education, advocacy, and research. They support those affected by suicide and survivors of suicide. Many resources are listed on their website, including emergency resources, crisis services, access to various helplines, finding mental health care, additional resources for mental health conditions like alcoholics anonymous, and so on. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMHSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services leading to public health efforts advancing behavioral health nationwide. They have a Technology Transfer Centers (TTC) Program comprising three networks: Addiction Technology Transfer Center, Prevention Technology Transfer Center, and Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. They are a Provider’s Clinical Support System (PCSS), Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness (CSS-SMI), and more.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is one of the largest global mental health organizations aiming to better the lives of Americans affected by mental illness. They educate, listen, advocate, and support to improve the lives of people with mental illness or a loved one going through it. NAMI support groups offer a safe space for participants to share their experiences with other attendees.            

HEADSUPGUYS

This organization is a one-of-a-kind online, anonymous resource designed specifically for men and their families to promote men’s mental health and reduce deaths by suicide. The content they provide is devised from evidence-based research and includes patient and clinician perspectives to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their content. They offer resources for finding a therapist at different locations, accessing various professional services, and much more.