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Depression in college: how can you help?

By Mary Anne Knapp, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker for the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

Nearly all college students feel “down” or “blue” occasionally, particularly when they are dealing with life transitions, pressures for academic performance, and uncertainty about their identity and relationships.  However, some students may experience a more serious and ongoing depression that can impact their mood, concentration, appetite, and sleep, and interfere with their ability to function. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, during any given year, approximately 19 million American adults suffer from a depressive illness.  And of course, college students are not immune to depression.  In fact, recent national studies and surveys of college counseling centers indicate that college students are at a heightened risk for mental health concerns and that more students than ever are seeking help. 

In the 2004 Student Satisfaction Survey conducted by Penn State Student Affairs, 12% of University Park students reported that they had sought counseling services on campus.  Of those who were seen at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 30% were diagnosed with a mood disorder. Furthermore, major depression was the most common diagnosis.  Many more students may be fearful or reluctant to seek services or do not recognize their issues as symptoms of depression. Parents and family members of college students can play an important role in identification and intervention to help students receive effective psychological help.

Signs and symptoms of depression

The following list of symptoms and situations can help you and your student recognize that what they are experiencing could be depression, especially if they experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks:

• Depressed mood; feeling sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, or apathetic for most of the day
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate on school, work, and routine tasks
• Change in sleep patterns; oversleeping, insomnia, or early morning awakening
• Change in eating habits; loss of appetite and weight; overeating and weight gain
• Loss of interest in friends and previously enjoyed activities
• Excessive worries  (real or imagined)
• Fear of losing control, going crazy, harming self or others
• Feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless
• Feeling overwhelming guilt, shame, or self hatred
• Feelings of no hope for the future (“It will never get better;" "I will always feel this way”)
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Recent loss - through death, divorce, breakup, loss of job, money, status, or self confidence
• Nightmares or intense traumatic memories
• Thoughts of death; suicidal thoughts or plans.  (These thoughts should always be taken seriously and assessed as soon as possible)

If your student displays 5 or more of these symptoms, or is suicidal, he/she needs to have an evaluation by a mental health professional or their primary care physician.

Where to go for help at Penn State

There are many resources for students experiencing depression or other emotional problems.  It is important to know that depression can be treated very effectively.  80-90% of those with even severe depression can be helped with psychotherapy and antidepressant medications.

• On the University Park campus, students can schedule an appointment at CAPS, which is located in 221 Ritenour Building, and is open for new clients from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  To contact CAPS by phone, call 863-0395.  CAPS provides initial consultation, crisis intervention, group counseling, short term individual counseling, psychiatric services (for students who might benefit from medication to treat the depression), and referrals for students requiring longer-term services. CAPS' staff are mental health professionals or advanced graduate trainees under supervision of staff.
• During National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, October 7th, CAPS staff will conduct information sessions and screening for depression and other mental health concerns in 107 HUB Robeson Center from 1– 4:30 pm.  Students can fill out a brief survey and meet with a mental health professional from CAPS to review the results and receive recommendations.
• If students are unable to attend the in-person screening, online depression screening is available via the CAPS website.
• For help after hours, the CAN HELP line of Centre County crisis service is available 24 hrs per day.  Crisis line staff will talk with a student on the phone or in person.  The CAN HELP number is 1-800-643-5432.
• If your student attends a campus or college other than University Park, choose their location at the Student Affairs at Campuses & Colleges page, then locate the counseling services link on the appropriate web site. You can also speak with the director of Student Affairs at that location to receive counseling information.
• Penn State is a member school of the Jed Foundation’s Ulifeline. Ulifeline provides valuable education for college students about mental health concerns, suicide prevention, and information about services at counseling centers around the country including Penn State.

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