What Parents Need to Know About College Depression

Depression on campus is a growing problem and one that parents and students both need to know about. According to surveys and studies, campus health centers are seeing record numbers of students with mental health complaints. One survey found that 95 percent of college counseling centers are seeing an increase in students seeking services. The biggest issue presented is anxiety, but that is closely followed by depression.

There are many reasons that college students are more vulnerable to depression. Any major life change, like moving out of the home, can be stressful and lead to depression. Other factors include the stress of academics and balancing classes with sports, recreation, and other activities, relationship difficulties, inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, and substance use.

The signs of depression vary by individual but are summarized well in the criteria used to make a diagnosis. Mental health professionals look for these nine symptoms when diagnosing depression:

1. A depressed mood, which may include sadness, irritability, emptiness, and hopelessness
2. Loss of interest in activities, inability to get pleasure from them
3. Changes in eating habits and weight
4. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than normal
5. Psychomotor retardation or agitation, which means either slowed down movements or an unusual increase in movements
6. Fatigue
7. Feeling worthless, guilty, or ashamed
8. Difficulty thinking, focusing on tasks, and making decisions
9. Thoughts of death and suicide, suicidal behaviors

You may not be able to see many of these classic signs of depression while your child is on campus. There are other indicators, though, that may be cause for concern:

• Changes in friends or not having any friends
• Social isolation
• Declining academic performance
• Dropping out of activities and clubs
• Problematic drinking or drug use
• Self-harm or impulsive, risky behaviors

It’s difficult to let go of your child and trust that they will succeed away from home and your protection. But college is an important time that many young people get to test their independence. One important thing that you can do to set your child on the right path is to discuss mental health. Before your child leaves for college, talk about depression:

• Discuss the facts and statistics so your child knows that depression is a real concern for this new stage of their life.
• Let them know that they can come to you with any concern, without judgment or anger.
• Talk about the signs of depression and how to recognize them early.
• Find out about mental health services on campus and make sure your child knows how to access them.
• Talk about drugs and drinking and how substance abuse can impact mental health.

Knowledge is power, and what may seem obvious to you is not necessarily so to your child. Be honest and never assume your child knows what to do about feeling sad or depressed. Talking about depression won’t necessarily prevent it, but it can prevent some of the more serious consequences by giving your child the information that will empower them to get help early.

It’s time to let your child spread their wings and live independently, but that doesn’t mean you have to step back from their life entirely. Especially if you have concerns about depression, it is important to check in and keep the lines of communication open. Because you can’t see your child most of the time, you should look for signs of depression in more indirect ways. For instance, check on grades from time to time or talk to their friends who may share any concerns.

Encouraging your child to make healthy lifestyle choices is also important. Eating well, getting adequate exercise and sleep are important for overall good health. Also important is participation. Push your child to get involved in campus groups, recreational sports teams, and other social events. Good social support, from friends and family, is protective against depression.