Depression is Underdiagnosed in College Students
By Susan Fee
Everyone feels down or blue once in awhile. Especially during difficult times, it’s normal to feel sad or discouraged. But when those feelings persist for two weeks or longer, it could be depression.
It’s a common illness that affects an estimated 19 million Americans—that’s nearly one in ten! It’s also one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses on college campuses. The symptoms can come on so slowly that one day, a person realizes that he can’t remember the last time he felt good.
Here are some warning signs for depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in things that used to be fun
- Decreased energy, fatigue
- Restlessness, irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Trouble sleeping, or oversleeping
- Appetite or weight changes
- Thoughts of suicide
Many students suffer needlessly. Depression is often very treatable. Not everyone experiences every symptom, and the severity can vary over time. Depression is not something you can just “snap out of” and make better on your own. This assumption can reinforce feelings of hopelessness and failure. It’s important to seek outside help. Through counseling and, in some cases, medication, the majority of people notice significant improvement! If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above for two weeks or longer, here’s what you need to do today: Make an appointment with a counselor on campus. Your counselor can screen you for depression and get you the immediate help you need. Do not spend another day suffering in silence!
Find out more about depression and other mental health issues affecting college students in, "My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy! Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate from Hell."
About the Author:
Susan Fee is a licensed counselor, business coach, and communications expert. She is the author two tips booklets, "Positive First Impressions: 83 Ways to Establish Confidence, Competence, and Trust" and "Dealing With Difficult People: 83 Ways to Stay Calm, Composed, and in Control." She has also written a college survival guide, "My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy!" Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate from Hell" (Adams Media). She can be reached at www.susanfee.com or www.myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com.
