MoodRx Clinical Staff - Aug 12, 2024
11 statistics on depression in college students
College is a major turning point in many young people’s lives. It can be a time of big changes and excitement as students leave the familiar comforts of home to start a new chapter in their lives. The freedom to choose their own classes and explore different interests can be thrilling. However, this newfound independence can also bring challenges. College students have to learn how to:
● Balance academic demands
● Make new friends
● Adjust to a new environment
For some students, they thrive and excel with their new independence. For others, the pressures of college life can become overwhelming and contribute to feelings of:
● Sadness
● Loneliness
● Hopelessness
These feelings are a few of the symptoms depression can cause. It’s important to remember that it’s natural to feel stressed or confused during this time, but if these feelings continue or become overwhelming, it’s crucial to reach out for help.
What does depression in college students look like?
Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone, including college students. Depression is more than just feeling sad or down. It’s a persistent feeling of emptiness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities and things you used to enjoy. Depression can interfere with your daily activities, relationships and overall well-being.
Surprisingly, depression can be common among college students. Here are some statistics about depression in college students that bear out this claim:
● 44% of college students reported experiencing symptoms of depression.
● 37% of respondents to a survey said they had received mental health counseling in the last year, which was a 7% increase.
● More than 9 in 10 college students say academic challenges affect their mental health.
● 31% of college students met the criteria for suicidal ideation, and 3% attempted suicide.
● 28% of college students have been diagnosed with depression or another mood disorder.
● 25% of college students reported feeling isolated during the 2022-2023 academic year.
● Approximately 64% of students who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience symptoms of depression.
● Women collegiate athletes are more likely to struggle with mental health issues, including depression.
● 64% of currently enrolled college students considered dropping out due to mental health concerns.
● Over 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health condition, including depression. This is a nearly 50% increase since 2013.
● College students who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander can experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Despite these startling statistics, hope can be found. There are effective ways to help treat depression and help you learn how to cope.
Symptoms of depression in college students
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms of depression can include:
● Feeling persistently sad, empty or hopeless
● Feeling a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
● Experiencing changes in appetite or weight
● Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
● Experiencing fatigue or loss of energy
● Feeling worthless or guilty
● Having difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
● Experiencing thoughts of death or suicide
Everyone can experience emotional ups and downs, and it’s natural to feel sad or overwhelmed sometimes. However, if these feelings continue or begin to interfere with your daily life, it’s crucial to seek help.
What can cause depression in college students?
Several factors can contribute to the high rates of depression among college students. The transition to college life can bring a variety of challenges that can impact mental health, including:
● Academic pressure
● Financial stress
● Relationship difficulties
● Loneliness and isolation
● Identity exploration
● Sleep deprivation
● Substance use
Which college students are more vulnerable?
Certain groups of college students may be at a higher risk of experiencing depression:
● Students with a family history of depression
● Students with a history of mental health conditions
● First-generation college students
● Students from marginalized backgrounds
● Student-athletes
● Students who are female
● Students from a low-income family
Risks of depression in college students
If left untreated, depression can have the following serious consequences for college students:
● Academic performance decline — Depression can have a significant impact on a college student’s ability to focus, study and complete assignments. This impact can lead to:
○ Lower grades
○ Academic difficulties
○ Potentially dropping out of college
● Social isolation — As depression gets worse, college students may withdraw from friends, family and social activities. This withdrawal can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
● Physical health problems — Depression can contribute to a variety of physical health issues, such as:
○ Sleep disturbances
○ Changes in appetite
○ Weakened immune system
○ Chronic pain
● Substance use — Some college students struggling with depression may turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to cope with their depression symptoms. This can lead to addiction and further mental health problems.
● Suicidal thoughts — In severe cases, depression can cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of depression and seek help early to prevent these negative consequences.
Treatment options for depression in college students
Depression is a treatable condition, and there are several effective options available to college students. For many college students, the most effective approach to managing depression combines therapy and medication. This tailored treatment plan can address both the underlying causes and symptoms of depression.
● Therapy — Therapy provides you a safe space to discuss your thoughts, feelings and behaviors with a qualified mental health professional. This can give valuable tools for understanding and managing your depression. Several types of therapy have proven effective in helping treat depression:
○ Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — CBT focuses on identifying and challenging thought patterns and behaviors. It can help college students develop practical skills to help them manage stress, improve mood and build resilience.
○ Interpersonal therapy (IPT) — IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills; it can be particularly helpful for students who are struggling with social isolation or relationship difficulties.
○ Psychodynamic therapy — Psychodynamic therapy explores a college student’s past experiences and unconscious factors that may contribute to their depression.
○ Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — DBT is often used for college students who are experiencing severe emotional dysregulation, including those with borderline personality disorder. This approach focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
● Medication — Antidepressants can be a valuable tool in helping to manage depression symptoms in college students. Antidepressants work by balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain. There are several types of antidepressants, each with its own mechanism of action and potential side effects:
○ Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — SSRIs are often the first choice in treating depression. They help increase the levels of serotonin in the brain.
○ Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) — SNRIs are medications that help increase both serotonin and norepinephrine.
○ Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) — TCAs are an older but still effective form of antidepressant. However, they tend to have more side effects than newer antidepressants.
○ Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — MAOIs are generally considered a last resort due to their potential for serious side effects, including interactions with certain foods and medications.
○ Atypical antidepressants — These medications include medications with different mechanisms of action.
It’s essential to work closely with your health care provider to determine the best treatment plan for you. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of different medications and help you manage any side effects. Antidepressants can take time to reach their full effect, and it may take some trial and error to find the right medication that works best for you. Going to regular check-ups can enable your provider to monitor your response to medications and make adjustments as needed.
Benefits of therapy for depression in college students
Therapy can offer a number of benefits for college students with depression, for example:
● Improved mood and overall well-being
● Increased self-esteem
● Enhanced relationships
● Academic success
● Long-term mental health management
Coping with depression in college
Coping with depression in college can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. In addition to professional help, there are some additional strategies you can use to help you cope with and counteract feelings of depression:
● Get regular exercise.
● Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
● Get a sufficient amount of sleep.
● Practice mindfulness or meditation.
● Engage in hobbies or interests.
● Break down tasks.
● Spend time with friends, family or supportive peers.
● Participate in clubs or groups for activities you enjoy.
● Create a calming space.
● Limit screen time.
● Set boundaries by learning to say no and prioritizing your well-being.
It’s OK not to be OK and admit you need help. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With time and effort, you can develop effective coping strategies and improve your overall well-being.
MoodRx can help college students manage and overcome depression
College should be a time of growth and discovery, but for some students, the pressures can lead to overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness. At MoodRx, we understand the challenges these pressures can create. Our unique approach matches you with a licensed therapist who can provide you with the personalized care you need. Our platform also allows you to monitor your mental health and manage your care. Once you’re matched with an experienced and compassionate therapist, you’ll be provided with personalized treatment and support to empower you on your mental health journey. Taking steps to address depression is an investment in your overall well-being and future success.
Contact our team today for more information or to sign up for free.
