Title: College students and depression - Mayo Clinic Health System
Headings: College students and depression
College students and depression
Content: A relationship breakup
Sexual assault
Peer relationship difficulties
Sexual identity adjustment difficulties
Drug or alcohol use
Family history of depression
Stressful life events
Having a faulty comparison of academic/athletic/social performance as compared to one’s peers
Fears of disappointing parents because of grades or career path choice
Young people with a mental health diagnosis, including depression, are five times more likely to attempt suicide than adults. Four out of five college students who either consider or attempt suicide have shown clear warning signs prior to the attempt. Suicide warning signs: Good student who begins ignoring class work or skipping classes
Withdrawal from friends
Giving away possessions
Talking about suicide
Signs of depression, hopelessness
Symptoms of anxiety/depression in college students may include: Difficulty handling school work
Loss of interest in activities, such as clubs, sports or other social activities
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Emotional outbursts, such as tearfulness or anger
Sense of being overwhelmed
Panic
Faulty self-assessments
Lack of energy
Warning signs for suicide
This is not an exhaustive list. Being alert to behavior and personality changes can provide more clues as to a student’s state of well-being. It is important if any of these signs or symptoms are present that a college student is referred for a mental health evaluation. Many universities have mental health services on campus for student access. Students also may seek assistance at their local clinic through their primary care physician or behavioral health staff, for a thorough evaluation of symptoms and history. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, along with medications, has been shown in research to effectively treat anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.