Title: College students and depression - Mayo Clinic Health System
Headings: College students and depression
College students and depression
Content: Kerr says that for parents with college-age students, it is important to know that in 2012, 75 percent of struggling college students did not seek help for their mental health symptoms. That number is astounding. Reluctance to seek assistance increases the risk of detrimental outcomes, such as dropping out of college, poor academic performance, suicide and substance abuse. According to Kerr, nearly two-thirds of college-aged students who developed substance abuse problems also were found to suffer from mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Situational/Risk factors which can trigger a bout of depression or anxiety for college students can include: 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.