By: Chase Martaus
Depression numbers have increased tremendously among college students over the past decade as more and more students are being treated for mental illnesses.
One in five college students suffer from depression and anxiety. This problem has led to more efforts from institutions to help students dealing with mental illnesses.
In a 2018 survey done by the American College Health Association, stress and anxiety from school caused a combined 59.7 percent of depression among college students, and an extra 10 percent have not been diagnosed yet.
Family Medicine Specialist, Dr. Barry Hull, has prescribed more anxiety and depression medication to college students now more than ever.
“The number of college students that have entered my office over the past five years have gone up tremendously,” said Hull. “College can be the best time in your life, but it is also one of the most stressful times in your life as well because there is so much responsibility.”
In 2007, 23 percent of college students were reported to have moderate to severe depression; however, in 2018, that number rose to 41 percent.
One group of students that have an impact on these high depression rates are upcoming graduates. There are a number of reasons why this is the case. The amount of uncertainty, loss, and unrealistic expectations all lead to depression among future graduates.
Experiencing anxiety and depression at this time of life is completely normal. The lack of control and structure for the first time as well as a large move can also cause anxiety and depression.
According to research done by the University of Washington, 53 percent of graduating seniors are either unemployed or underemployed out of college.
A term used to describe this is called post commencement stress disorder (PCSD), a word that Bernard Luskin, an honored therapist used to describe these students feel. It is not a term used as an actual mental health diagnosis, but it is a real feeling that graduates feel as their time in college comes to an end.
Signs of this made-up diagnosis include sleep problems, irritability, avoidance, and perceiving oneself as a failure. Sharaf Syed, graduate of the University of Georgia in 2020, experienced all of these things as he was preparing to move on to the real world.
“There are so many emotions that go into that final semester,” said Syed. “I was sad to be leaving school, excited to not have any more classes while being stressed about my current classes and trying to find a job. It was as if I would wake up every morning just feeling hopeless and scared about where I was going to be in just a few short months.”
Many college students are starting to receive mental health treatment. In fact, there are more students receiving treatment now more than ever before.
The Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors has discovered that mental illnesses are becoming more and more severe. Based on their research, 73.1 percent of college counseling centers have reported a major increase mental health issues among college students.
Adam Hogue, a licensed counselor at Georgia Southern University, has noticed this trend, and has given students approaching graduation advice on how to stay positive stay positive during stressful times.
“There are a lot of uncertainties and high expectations that can take a toll on your mental health when graduating,” said Hogue. “Be creative in seeking potential professional connections, be prepared to take risks, and try some inventive ways to initiate contact with others.”
Even though colleges continue to hire more counselors and therapists to help students cope with anxiety and depression, these issues have continued to haunt them.