With 20 percent of the population suffering from depression, or "living in a black hole," as it's commonly described, it is bound to have a major effect on college students, especially since the majority of those diagnosed with mental illness begin to experience signs between the ages of 18 and 24.
According to Psychology Today, the plague of mental illness is off the charts on college campuses. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) claims that common stressors introduced with normal college life can lead to major mood disorders. These stressors include greater academic demands, difficult financial responsibilities, changes in social life, exposure to new ideas, people and temptations, and anxiety over facing life after graduation.
"If students do not feel adequate or prepared to cope with the new environment of a college campus, they could easily become susceptible to depression and anxiety," said Harrison Davis, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling at North Georgia College & State University.
Valley College offers personal counseling free to students, when issues begin to affect their ability to perform well in classes. This service is located in the Student Health Center in Valley's North Gym and is paid for by the required health fee each semester.
"The counseling is very valuable to students because many don't have insurance so they haven't had any access to mental health services in the past," said Dr. Carl King, Valley's psychologist, who is on campus 20 hours a week providing personal counseling to students in need.
Of the 20 percent of Americans diagnosed with major depression, only about half are receiving treatment, and an even lower number are receiving adequate care. As stated by a survey conducted by NIMH, African-Americans and Mexican-Americans have the lowest rates of depression care. The most common reasons for not seeking treatment are financial concerns and the stigmas believed to be associated with depression. This attitude only reinforces the stigma and makes life more difficult for those suffering.
Depression, like many illnesses, affects the entire person physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Biological changes take place, causing a lasting state of distress, persisting over a period of time. Severe depression, which can be very debilitating, interferes with the ability to initiate, enjoy and perform various activities.
For those struggling with feelings of helplessness, irritability, restlessness; loss of interest in activities; trouble working, studying, eating, sleeping and having fun; loss of energy; self-loathing and concentration problems, there is help available. At the very least, students can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 237-TALK (8255), which in addition to being a crisis line, also offers students a place they can call to get advice or just have someone to talk to.
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