Depression and College Students
October is Depression Education & Awareness Month
Nearly half of all college students report feeling so depressed at some point in time that they have trouble functioning, according to the American Psychiatric Association. That's a whole lot of students. And they estimate that one out of four adults will experience a depressive episode by age 24.

Depression involves the body, mind and thoughts, impacting one's ability to sleep, study, work, eat, and enjoy life. It is more than feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It's feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time, with the inability to pull oneself together.

Chances are that your student may see someone in the throes of depression or may experience it himself during his time in college. Consider talking with your student about the signs and symptoms of depression — and what to do.
Depression

Signs and symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty moods
  
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
  
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
  
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
  
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
  
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
  
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
  
• Appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
  
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
  
• Restlessness, irritability
  
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health; Healthy Minds

Other Depressive Disorders
Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression. It involves long-term, chronic symptoms that can keep you from feeling good or functioning well. Many with dysthymia experience major depressive episodes at some point.

Bipolar Disorder is also called manic-depressive illness and is less prevalent. It involves cycling mood changes from severe highs (mania) to lows (depression). These mood switches are typically gradual but can occur in a rapid, dramatic manner. Mania may include:

• Abnormal or excessive elation
  
• Unusual irritability
  
• Decreased need for sleep
  
• Grandiose notions
  
• Increased talking
  
• Racing thoughts
  
• Increased sexual desire
  
• Markedly increased energy
  
• Poor judgment
  
• Inappropriate social behavior

Left untreated, mania may worsen to a psychotic state.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by periods of depression that accompany seasonal changes, usually in late fall and winter, although there is reverse SAD in the summer, too. In addition to symptoms of depression, daytime fatigue, oversleeping, craving carbs and weight gain can occur. A de-crease in light, either indoors or due to overcast days, can worsen symptoms.

There are plenty of professionals on campus available to help your student and his peers if they need it. Encourage your student to reach out to a residence life professional, the counseling center staff, or a faculty member he trusts if he needs assistance. Caring folks are ready with a listening ear.