Entering or returning to college is an exciting time for young adults. Students and parents hope to have memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. For many students, the college years are a time of discovery and growth.
But depression can get in the way.
The rate of depression among students is increasing. In a 2021-2022 survey of students on 133 college campuses, 44% of students reported symptoms of depression and 15% reported seriously considering suicide in the past year.
For parents and students, knowing risk factors and symptoms can aid in the early identification and treatment of depression.
Symptoms of depression may include:
- Anxiety and panic
- Difficulty with school work
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Emotional outbursts, such as tears, anger, or irritability
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Loss of interest in activities, such as clubs, sports, or other social engagements
- Low self-esteem
- Direction of being overwhelmed
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Unrealistic guilt
Why do young adults struggle?
Although the problems faced by students are complex. They often feel intense pressure to succeed while developing the skills needed for daily life.
The rising cost of education places additional stress on students and their families. Children are pushed to their limits from primary school onwards. As a result, their mental health and well-being suffer.
Many middle and high school students have schedules rivaling those of business executives, with an average day starting at 6 a.m. and ending after 10 p.m. These demanding schedules leave many lack of sleep with little time to develop basic independent living skills, such as doing laundry, preparing meals, managing money, and accessing services to meet their needs. They do all this while asking themselves, “Who am I?” »
These skill deficits worsen as young adults go to college and face relationship challenges and busy course schedules. They may also be living apart from their parents for the first time.
Helping children balance success with the demands of life starts at home.
Here are tips for parents and children before college:
- Define a realistic view of the big picture.
Giving 100% at all times and in all areas of life is unrealistic. Encourage students to focus on how to get the most out of their college experience by building positive relationships, creating fun memories, and preparing for their future careers. - Develop independent living skills from an early age.
Online resources are available to find age-appropriate tasks for children to help you start the process. - Protect downtime or unstructured time for middle and high school students.
This is when students begin to explore who they are.
What are the risk factors for students?
Unfortunately, up to 75% of students suffering from depression are reluctant to seek help. This increases the risk of adverse outcomes, such as dropping out of college, poor academic performance, suicide, and substance abuse.
College students may be exposed to many situations or risk factors that can trigger an episode of depression:
- Comparison of academic, sporting or social performance with peers
- Drug or alcohol use
- Family history of depression
- Fear of disappointing parents because of grades or career path
- Relational difficulties with peers
- Relationship breakup
- Sexual assault
- Difficulties adjusting to sexual identity
- Stressful life events
People most at risk of depression and anxiety are:
- Students
- Low-income students
- Students of color
- Students caring for children or other adults
- Students who identify as LGBTQ.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 20 to 24. Although the factors leading to suicide are multiple, the diagnosis of a mental illness such as depression increases the risk.
These behaviors may indicate that students are thinking about suicide:
- Showing extreme mood swings
- Donate goods
- Increasing consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Ignoring class work or skipping classes
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive acts, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
- Say goodbye to people like they’ll never see them again
- Showing anger or rage or expressing a desire for revenge
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Talk about suicide
- Talking about being a burden on others
- Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or aimless
- Withdrawing from friends and wanting to be alone
This is not an exhaustive list. Pay attention to changes in behavior and personality that may provide clues to a student’s well-being.
What can parents do to help students?
Parents often worry about how their child will react if they try to talk about the signs and symptoms of depression. But it’s crucial to have a conversation about your concerns.
Be direct with your child. Give examples of symptoms you have noticed and explain why these examples worry you. Be patient, calm and empathetic in your communication.
Students often believe they are to blame for their mental health issues, which can lead them to feel defensive or withdrawn. To reduce stigma, help students understand that it is not their fault and that many young adults suffer from depression.
If you have concerns, it is important to ask your students if they are considering suicide or self-harm. That won’t put the idea in their heads. If your student expresses suicidal thoughts, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Many colleges and universities offer mental health services on campus. Your child’s primary care provider has resources and can refer your student to a mental health counselor. Parents and students should have hope since there are many effective treatments for depression.
Kristen Bowe is a nurse practitioner at Family medicine In Beautiful Plain And MontgomeryMinnesota.
