College Students and Depression
Electronic Research Assignment
College Students and Depression
College Students and Depression
College students face many adversities as they transcend their collegiate careers. Depression is a major factor that haunts students since the first day they walk into their first lecture. It is extremely alarming that in 2009, the American College Health Association found that 9.2 percent of college students at all types of institutions reported being diagnosed with depression, and 9.4 percent with anxiety (Fogg. B14-B15). However, most researchers believe that this statistical percentage is much higher. What exactly is depression? Depression in terms of psychology is, “a sign of psychiatric disorder or a component of various psychoses, with symptoms of misery, anguish, or guilt accompanied by headache, insomnia, etc.” (Oxford University Press). It is extremely difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for depression in college students. However there are tell-tale similarities that can cause depression such as personal and external expectations, homesickness, stressful situations, and a relatively new factor of long term debt. This debt is the major factor that causes long term depression among students after they leave the university. Although, through my readings of scientific journals, I am discovering some similarities between these students. The top ones include homesickness and intense mental strain. When I talk about mental strain, I am referring to stress. This stress can come from intense workload, family expectations, financial obligations, or personal expectations. It is difficult to examine these students because most do not seem to even notice that they are depressed and they appear to be just fine. It is a hard and intense transition from high school to college. In school, the student is near a familiar surrounding and are near friends and family. Also, the workload is not as intense and demanding. The major difference between high school and
College Students and Depression
College Students and Depression
College students face many adversities as they transcend their collegiate careers. Depression is a major factor that haunts students since the first day they walk into their first lecture. It is extremely alarming that in 2009, the American College Health Association found that 9.2 percent of college students at all types of institutions reported being diagnosed with depression, and 9.4 percent with anxiety (Fogg. B14-B15). However, most researchers believe that this statistical percentage is much higher. What exactly is depression? Depression in terms of psychology is, “a sign of psychiatric disorder or a component of various psychoses, with symptoms of misery, anguish, or guilt accompanied by headache, insomnia, etc.” (Oxford University Press). It is extremely difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for depression in college students. However there are tell-tale similarities that can cause depression such as personal and external expectations, homesickness, stressful situations, and a relatively new factor of long term debt. This debt is the major factor that causes long term depression among students after they leave the university. Although, through my readings of scientific journals, I am discovering some similarities between these students. The top ones include homesickness and intense mental strain. When I talk about mental strain, I am referring to stress. This stress can come from intense workload, family expectations, financial obligations, or personal expectations. It is difficult to examine these students because most do not seem to even notice that they are depressed and they appear to be just fine. It is a hard and intense transition from high school to college. In school, the student is near a familiar surrounding and are near friends and family. Also, the workload is not as intense and demanding. The major difference between high school and