Depression In College Students: How Mental Health Concerns Can Impact Young Adults
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357
You may have heard about the college student mental health crisis. Statistics suggest that rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation have never been higher among student populations than they are today. Here, we’ll look specifically at depression in college students: what causes it and suggestions for addressing symptoms.
Mental health concerns common among college students
According to the National Education Association, the following are some of the most common mental health concerns among college students today.
Depression
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive sense of hopelessness and sadness. Physically, it can result in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain or loss, a lack of appetite, disrupted sleeping patterns, insomnia, and/or unexplained aches and pains. Mentally, it can lead to symptoms like a lack of motivation, a sense of self-loathing, a desire to isolate oneself from loved ones, and difficulty concentrating. For a college student, these could show up in the form of a decreased interest in social activities and reduced academic performance. Treatment for depression is available and usually consists of some form of talk therapy, sometimes in combination with medication.
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition seen in college counseling centers, according to research conducted by Penn State’s Center for Collegiate Mental Health. Anxiety disorders that are highly prevalent among college students include social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment for anxiety disorders is available and usually consists of some form of talk therapy, sometimes in combination with medication.
Other common mental health concerns among college students
According to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, two other common mental health diagnoses among college students are substance use disorder (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “substance abuse disorder”) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Common factors that can affect mental health in college
Why exactly are mental health challenges so common in college students? There are many potential reasons. First, for many traditional-aged college students, this may be the first time in their lives that they have left their hometown or are living away from their families, which can lead to homesickness and a sense of isolation.
College can also be a much more demanding time in one’s life than ever experienced before, with higher levels of academic pressure as well as the financial stress of juggling the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses. Additionally, for many people, college is a highly social time, which can result in a healthy emotional support system but can also lead to stress if there is tension or conflict in romantic or platonic relationships. Also note that those who have a family history of mental health conditions may be at greater risk of developing a condition themselves, especially if other risk factors apply to them as well.
College student mental health statistics
A recent study suggests that almost half of college students report symptoms of depression, with female students being slightly more likely to meet the criteria for depression than male students. Per this study, other risk factors for depression in college students include:
- Being an older student
- Being closer to graduation
- Having higher grades
- Pursuing medical school or another health-related career path
- Having poor physical health
- Experiencing high levels of academic pressure
In addition, the annual Healthy Minds survey assessing mental health on college campuses suggests that 36% of college students met the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, 17% have an eating disorder, and 10% have a trauma- and stressor-related disorder like PTSD. These statistics point to the urgent need to address mental health among student populations.
How to cope with depression as a college student
The recommended course of action for those experiencing signs of depression or another mental health challenge is typically to meet with a mental health professional. Counselors and therapists can help you identify what may be going on with your mental health and develop a plan to address it. They may also be able to refer you to a doctor or psychiatrist who can prescribe mental health medication, if needed.
In addition, keeping up with self-care is typically important for mental health. Some examples of self-care tips for college students include:
- Get enough sleep each night
- Stick to routines
- Get regular social interaction
- Exercise often
- Eat nutrient-dense foods whenever possible
- Find healthy ways to manage stress
- Set boundaries
- Stay hydrated
- Practice meditation
Resources for student support
If you are experiencing depression or another mental health concern in college, you might look into some of the following resources:
- On-campus mental health services. Many colleges have an on-campus counseling center where students can get free or low-cost mental health care like counseling or therapy.
- National organizations. For example, the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) has online resources specifically for students and hosts many local chapters on college campuses.
- Crisis help lines. If you are in need of immediate support, the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988) are available.
- Online therapy. Sometimes, on-campus mental health services have significant wait lists. If you’d like to speak with a care provider sooner or would simply prefer to engage in therapy virtually, you might consider online therapy. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched and meet with a licensed therapist from anywhere with an internet connection.
Benefits of online therapy for students
If your campus counseling center is fully booked but your depression symptoms are significantly impacting your studies or your mental well-being, you may not prefer to wait for an appointment to become available. Online therapy can help bridge the mental health care gap in these scenarios.
Research suggests that online therapy and traditional in-person therapy may not have significant differences in outcomes when it comes to alleviating mental health symptoms. For example, one study specifically examined the impact of online therapy on symptoms of depression and anxiety, two conditions common among college students. Its findings suggest that online therapy was as effective at symptom reduction as in-person therapy.
Takeaway
- Previous Article
- Next Article