Depression Among College Students
ADAA_Anxiety・2 minutes read
The ADAA works to improve mental health awareness and offers resources like a list of treatment providers, while the JED Foundation focuses on addressing mental health issues among college students through programs and webinars. College students face unique stressors like depression and anxiety, with resources available on and off-campus to provide support and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Insights
- The JED Foundation, founded by Donna and Phil Satow, focuses on addressing mental health issues among college students, emphasizing the need for proactive programs to prevent tragedies like suicide.
- Depression, a treatable medical condition, can significantly impact college students, leading to potential dropouts if left unaddressed, highlighting the importance of early intervention, support systems, and awareness of available resources on campus.
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Recent questions
What is the JED Foundation?
The JED Foundation was founded 20 years ago by Donna and Phil Satow after their son Jed died by suicide while in college. The foundation works with colleges and universities to implement programs addressing mental health issues among students.
How can depression be treated?
Depression is treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination of both, with studies showing the effectiveness of the combined approach. Symptoms of depression can lead to thoughts of suicide, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to help those struggling.
What are the signs of depression?
Signs and symptoms of depression can be physical (changes in sleep and appetite), emotional (sadness, hopelessness, guilt), and cognitive (negative mindset, difficulty concentrating). Professors and students should watch for signs like changes in attendance, behavior, or mood to identify potential mental health issues in peers.
What resources are available for college students?
Various resources on campus, such as Student Affairs, campus health, the Counseling Center, and Resident Assistants (RAs), are well-equipped to assist students with life stressors. Utilizing RAs for support and guidance is recommended due to their constant availability and training.
How can students seek help for mental health?
Students on campus can seek help by overcoming the fear of asking for assistance, recognizing available resources, and understanding the importance of reaching out for support when needed. Initiatives like support groups, workshops, and student-led programs promote mental health awareness and support on campus.
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Summary
00:00
Mental Health Challenges Among College Students
- Cathy Okura is a member of the public education committee for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and an associate professor at the City University of New York.
- The ADAA aims to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders through education, practice, and research.
- The ADAA website, adaa.org, offers resources like a list of treatment providers and online support groups.
- Diana Cusumano and Erica Riba from the JED Foundation are the presenters of the webinar on depression among college students.
- The JED Foundation was founded 20 years ago by Donna and Phil Satow after their son Jed died by suicide while in college.
- The JED Foundation works with colleges and universities to implement programs addressing mental health issues among students.
- Students are increasingly coming to college campuses with pre-existing mental health conditions, leading to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Statistics show that one in five students will have a mental health condition, and 60% of first-year college students feel emotionally unprepared.
- The JED Foundation encourages colleges to collect data on students' mental health to better understand and address the trends.
- Depression is a medical condition that can affect one's ability to function, interact, and take care of themselves, with symptoms lasting from weeks to years if left untreated.
16:49
Supporting College Students' Mental Health
- Depression is treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination of both, with studies showing the effectiveness of the combined approach.
- Symptoms of depression can lead to thoughts of suicide, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to help those struggling.
- Depression ranks among the top 3 reasons for college dropouts, highlighting the need for schools to focus on retention rates and early intervention for struggling students.
- Causes of depression can include genetic predisposition, stress, diet, physical illness, personal loss, relationship difficulties, and traumatic events.
- Signs and symptoms of depression can be physical (changes in sleep and appetite), emotional (sadness, hopelessness, guilt), and cognitive (negative mindset, difficulty concentrating).
- In college, professors and students should watch for signs like changes in attendance, behavior, or mood to identify potential mental health issues in peers.
- Treatment for depression can involve a combination of medication, therapy, meditation, yoga, and exercise, tailored to individual needs.
- College students may face unique stressors like transitioning to college, homesickness, living with roommates, managing finances, choosing a major, and navigating relationships.
- Resources like Set to Go offer guidance for high school students transitioning to college, addressing life skills, mental health care, and campus support.
- Students on campus can seek help by overcoming the fear of asking for assistance, recognizing available resources, and understanding the importance of reaching out for support when needed.
32:12
Supportive Campus Resources Enhance Student Well-being
- Students tend to seek help from peers before adults, emphasizing the importance of having trusted adults like faculty or advisers available for support.
- Enhancing training for peers, young adults, professors, and staff on campus is crucial to provide effective support.
- Various resources on campus, such as Student Affairs, campus health, the Counseling Center, and Resident Assistants (RAs), are well-equipped to assist students with life stressors.
- Utilizing RAs for support and guidance is recommended due to their constant availability and training.
- Student Disability Services offer academic accommodations like tutoring, study skills, test anxiety support, and extra time on tests, which students should explore.
- Off-campus resources can be beneficial, with colleges often providing lists of referral options for students seeking assistance outside the campus.
- The "Seize the Awkward" campaign focuses on encouraging friends to engage in conversations about mental health, emphasizing the importance of reaching out and offering support.
- Initiatives like support groups, workshops, and student-led programs, such as Active Minds and NAMI on campus, promote mental health awareness and support on campus.
- Gatekeeper training for faculty, staff, and students is essential to recognize signs of struggle, initiate conversations, and refer individuals to appropriate resources.
- Screening days, both online and in person, are encouraged campus-wide to identify mental health concerns and provide support to students, including those in Greek life or athletics.
48:02
Supporting Mental Health: Involving Families and Resources
- In crisis situations, counselors will involve families if a student is deemed suicidal or homicidal, emphasizing the importance of family understanding and communication.
- Resilience and coping for students involve granting them autonomy in decision-making, with schools offering support and resources for families to navigate mental health challenges.
- Starting conversations about mental health transitions to college is crucial, with resources like the "Starting the Conversation" guide available on the Jet Foundation website.
- Practical ways to help include trusting your instincts if something seems off, familiarizing yourself with local resources and crisis hotlines, and getting trained in mental health first aid and QPR.
- Accessing online resources and seeking professional advice can provide valuable support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of utilizing available help and not facing difficulties alone.
