Depression In College Students
What are the causes? Why is is so prevalent? How does COVID-19 affect it?
Why are students depressed?
College students tend to be more depressed due to common stressors like: financial independence, a flux in relationships, irregular sleep patterns, world events, and academic pressures.
Substance abuse can also have an effect on students mental and physical health, and should be taken more seriously than it currently is.
Signs of Depression
A study from Erindale College found these trends among those with depression:
Depressed college students are deficient in social and interpersonal skills
- 74 percent of students tested were classified as depressed at the 3 month mark in the study and after that it was shown that they had increased stress; Half of the depressed students considered suicide
- Depressed college students make unrealistic demands on themselves and others while failing to complete and realize goals and objectives
- depressed students had lower grades and didn’t feel satisfied with them, had a lot of pressure to succeed from family and typically don’y have many friends
- Had trouble adjusting to university life, decreased motivation
From researchers and clinicians point of view these results are seen as trivial. Where college students’ issues seem insurmountable.
Depression and COVID-19
Due to the somewhat recent Covid-19 outbreak, it is very understandable that people and students alike have developed depressive symptoms over the pandemic. Here are some post-covid symptoms that can have an effect on depression:
- Fatigue
- Brian Fog
- Loss of taste or smell
- General Weakness
Ease depression while at school
- Students may find that taking a walk outside on a nice day or catching up on much needed sleep will provide a great deal of enjoyment for them.
- Completing assignments on time and less procrastination will ensure you have less stress and anxiety like symptoms later on.
- Seeing good friends and staying in touch with family will keep you socially engaged and away from substances.
Additional Information
If you are experiencing suicidality depressive symptoms and need help, please call SAMSHA’S National suicide prevention hotline. 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you attend Bradley University and want to take advantage of the services there, please go to the Counseling Center’s page by selecting this button.
Please look at common depressive disorders along with along some anxiety disorders here, if you are interested in learning more.
