Depression in Students

Colleges and universities are seeing more students with depression. Student depression has many causes including multiple stresses in their daily lives.

Students are busy with the classes, homework, part-time job and relationships. They generally live away from home, either on-campus or off-campus. Going to college or university is a time of new beginnings and choices for students.

These changes are even more complex for some international students that can experience culture shock that is the physical (climate and diet change) and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live in another country or place. It may be enjoyable and exciting, but at the same time there are many changes that can lead to stress and depression.

Students with unhealthy lifestyle attitudes and behaviors are at a higher risk for depression. They have unhealthy eating habits and sleep patterns, lack of exercise and abuse alcohol and drugs. Some studies show that even 10 percent of college students have been diagnosed with depression. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the students. Most universities and colleges provide the student support services designed to help students cope with these challenges.