A college student lies in bed dreading having to get up and face another day of emotional ups and downs. He contemplates if all this stress and anxiety is worth it anymore.
     School issues, money problems, feelings of helplessness, emotionally worn out, relationship problems, family problems, life sucks, these are just a few feelings that college students may experience.
     If a good day becomes rare and down times start to interfere with your ability to function, what students may be suffering from is a common illness called depression.
     Depression is a combination of symptoms that may interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy activities you once liked. The good news is that clinical depression is one of the most treatable of all medical illnesses. (National Institute of mental Health) The bad news is that this disease is common, One of every ten people will sometime have either a major or minor episode of this disorder. It is serious. Fifteen percent of people with this disorder die by their own hand.(http://depression.about.com)
     Unfortunately, what most students may not realize is that you’re not alone; Depression effects an estimated 19 million Americans a year. (National Institute of Mental Health)
     A poll conducted by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported that 7.8% of men and 12.3% of women ages 18-to-24 report frequent mental distress.
     Growing up in a generation that has so many choices and opportunities, yet so many demands, it’s not uncommon for someone to feel like they just can’t do it anymore. Academic assignments almost require students to be able to manage their time as a professional business executive might. Even the really smart and capable student may have academic problems and anxiety. Depression is not a biased illness; it is an illness that can affect anyone.
     “People think they are screwed up,” said Rosemary O’Neil, counselor at Skyline College. “But when it comes to a certain point it may be a chemical imbalance.”
     According to O’Neil many students may deal with these feelings by drinking, doing drugs, having multiple partners, or just giving up. If depression is left untreated it can continue for weeks, months, or years and can lead to: anxiety, eating disorders, sleeplessness and suicide.
     Suicide, that has been brought on by depression, is the leading cause of death in the college age group, according to Barbara Wylie, C.P.N.P., and Health Center Coordinator at Skyline.
     “True depression is painful,” said Wylie. There are ways to deal with and overcome these horrible feelings with medication and counseling.
     Dr. Steven Hearne, psychology teacher at Skyline College said, “Anti-depressant medication should only be given if depression is severe, and only after counseling.”
     Skyline offers support groups for students to just come and talk to others that are dealing with the same issues. One on one counseling services are also available.
     The most important thing is that you talk to someone, if not a professional; a family member or friend may be able to help or even relate.
     While with a counselor they may give you a test called the Beck’s Depression Inventory. This is a questionnaire that can help the counselor to determine if medication may help.
     “It’s like having diabetes, you wouldn’t not go to the doctor for diabetes.” said O’Neil. This should go near the anti-depressant part.
     The most important thing to remember is, don’t ignore depression – get help.