Depression In College Students

            Incoming college freshman have many ideas about what the college experience will be like. Those that move on campus leave their family, friends and everything they’ve known for eighteen years. Most do well and make lots of new friends. But even those who flourish can suffer from hidden symptoms of disorders such as depression and anxiety.

          What is one example of a way students deal with anxieties? The “Freshman 15”. Although some students may lose weight, many gain it in response to the change in environment. Gaining weight can be a symptom of depression, as well as not sleeping, or sleeping a lot, and trouble concentrating. The “Freshman 15” is one big way that depression among college students can be seen, but many symptoms cannot be seen.

            Some hide what they are feeling and act like everything is normal when all they really want to do is go home to their family and not have to worry about the pressures of college. These feelings can affect many students and it is a problem that needs to be addressed. If depression continually goes unaddressed, those suffering can continue to get worse resulting in possible fatal results.
           A focus needs to be turned on helping college students learn how to cope with their anxieties and emotions. The amount of students silently suffering could be lowered. The experience of attending college, “the best four years of a person’s life”, could then be much more enjoyable for not only people who suffer from anxiety and emotional problems, but everyone. All could benefit from these services.