Depression among College Students Essay Example

of college students goes through depressive episodes while in school. Freshmen are particularly at risk for depression as they navigate unfamiliar challenges associated with college life. While women may have a higher susceptibility due to hormonal reactivity, it should be noted that not all women are more prone than all men when it comes to suffering from depression.

The challenge for many students is identifying and accepting their depression, as it is evident that numerous college students are grappling with this condition. However, certain individuals find it difficult to accept and acknowledge their situation due to the misconception of perceiving it as 'giving in'. They fail to understand the significance of acknowledging their circumstances, which is vital for overcoming depression. Among a few people, there exists a fixed mindset where they struggle to comprehend that it is acceptable to not feel well.

It is common for students to enter college lacking the necessary preparation, leading to misconceptions about how to succeed. Many students feel compelled to prioritize obtaining perfect grades and sacrificing sleep in order to meet societal expectations for college students. As a result, this mindset can contribute to experiencing depression as we struggle with the conflicting pressures of conforming to societal norms while maintaining our own identities. Society's constant reinforcement of conformity and adherence to trends causes us to overlook our own uniqueness and fail to acknowledge that what works for one person may not work for another.

Despite the availability of resources and support systems, some students opt to disregard their thoughts and emotions that contribute to depression. Although this may temporarily resolve the issue at hand, it is a misguided approach as it fails

to recognize the vulnerability experienced by individuals. By suppressing their pain, which society perceives as a weakness, they are unable to express themselves fully. This societal pressure to appear invulnerable may be perceived as fashionable; however, it ultimately restricts us from embracing our instincts and conforming to societal norms.

The text explores the obstacle that arises when trying to fulfill personal needs while conforming to societal expectations. Overcoming depression is a vital step in effectively tackling this barrier. The concept of seeking help becomes essential rather than something embarrassing. Nelly Springer, a D1 soccer player at the University of Richmond, shared her firsthand experience of combating depression caused by the heavy workload as an athlete. She believed that the demanding schedule practically guaranteed failure and expressed frustration towards the excessive amount of work and classes required from her. Despite support being accessible, there was a stigma attached to seeking help for depression.

Despite the stigma surrounding counseling, 14 students in her school chose not to seek help. The increasing demand for assistance has put colleges under pressure to meet student needs, leading to a notable increase in students facing difficulties. Regrettably, there comes a point where the school's resources are insufficient. According to Katie Reilly, universities typically have only one professional counselor for every 1,737 students on average, indicating that counseling may be more of a mere formality in many cases. Nevertheless, institutions like the University of Iowa have effectively utilized funds provided by families towards their children's education.

Despite securing funding to expand psychiatric treatments and increase staff by 50%, Barry Schreier, the counseling director, emphasizes that there is still a high demand for services and some

students do not receive enough attention. Therefore, it has become crucial to find alternative ways to address depression. It is important for students to have someone they can confide in, such as a family member, friend, roommate, or teacher. Engaging in conversation with another person is often underestimated but can greatly assist in resolving problems by providing different perspectives and approaches.

Regardless of the various causes for college depression, it is important to recognize that everyone's problems are valid, regardless of their size or importance compared to others. Each person has their own unique struggles and can only handle what their mind allows them to. One student may be experiencing depression due to a change in environment, while another may be dealing with multiple challenges such as the loss of a family member, bullying, and academic difficulties. Even though the latter may appear more distressed, ironically, its impact on mental health might not be as significant as that of the former. Depression is a widely prevalent and extremely debilitating condition that remains poorly understood by both those affected by it and those providing treatment. The question of whether complete prevention of depression is possible still remains unanswered; however, it is undoubtedly a global problem that requires collective attention.

Humanity should take responsibility for the ongoing catastrophe of students who are unable to seek help or cope with depression. While experiencing depression has become more accepted, it is sinful to passively observe someone suffering in such a state. We are witnessing a silent violence before us, one that demands our attention.