The days may be long gone when admitting to depression was taboo. However, there’s a shockingly high number of college students being treated for depression, leaving experts scratching their heads. A recent study in The Chronicle is reflective of the rampant depression diagnoses around the country, but focuses on Duke University. Duke is unable to keep tabs on all students since many seek help outside the university, but 30 percent of freshmen each year enter already taking drugs for depression.
In the US, the number of students entering university already diagnosed with depression is the highest in history according to Duke’s Counseling and Psychological Services director. What is it that’s causing so many young adults to struggle? Is it simply a case of more diagnoses, not necessarily more sufferers? Here are seven reasons why the depression rates in universities may be at an all-time high.
1. Younger Patients Treated
It’s not necessarily a bad thing that more college students are depressed. NPR suggests that there are more depressed college students simply because people are getting treatment at a younger age, like in high school. Someone who’s depressed at 15 is better off getting treated at that age than waiting until they’re out of college.
2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a depressant, and college is when many young adults experiment (or binge) for the first time in their life. They may already be predisposed to depression, and imbibing on a regular basis puts them over the edge. After all, a depressant usually works effectively.
3. The Mounting Pressure
There has always been pressure to succeed in college. However, nowadays college students were young adults when their families were impacted by the recession and they’re all too aware of how difficult jobs will be once they graduate. That’s a lot more pressure to succeed than college students ten years ago faced.
4. Constant Chemical Intake
In general, more people are using prescription drugs of all kinds today than in the past. Some medications can cause depression. Some students may be taking prescriptions for depression when they’re not actually clinically depressed. Since it’s socially acceptable to reach for pills, more people are doing it.
5. The Massive Changes
Living away from home for the first time, a brand new environment, an entirely new system to learn and total immersion in a foreign culture can be exciting–but it can also lead to depression. Students may feel alone, overwhelmed, anxious and they might start to shut down. Flying the nest can sometimes trigger depressive symptoms.
6. The Poor Diet
The freshman 15 can do a lot more than make someone reach for the stretchy pants. A poor diet and excess weight can lead to a host of problems including depression. It’s no secret that college students struggle with their diet, but sometimes the effects are more serious than people think.
7. It’s Natural
Many mental health issues naturally develop when people are young adults, and this happens to coincide with college perfectly. There may have been just as many depressed young adults a few years ago, but they’re more willing to reach out nowadays.
NBC News recently reported that four in 10 college students are depressed. It led to insomnia, low energy and generally feeling hopeless–however, many of the students in this anonymous survey admitted they hadn’t sought help. It’s very likely that more students are depressed than people know, but schools across the country are making a great effort to reach out and continue to fight any lingering stigmas. Reaching out to someone who exhibits signs of depression is a great thing, and may even save a life.
Seeking treatment via a therapist, counselor or psychiatrist is a great start. There are hundreds of doctors, students, and programs that can match almost any budget level or life situation. Most college students have access to free or low-cost student health services – either through their school or because they are a student. Take advantage of it, and try out some natural remedies to complement treatment.
