Editor’s Note: The name of a subject in this article has been omitted to protect their identity.
The college experience can be filled with all sorts of excitement, freedom and wonders; however, this may not be the case for all students.
A recent study by the American College Health Association indicated that one in five college students suffers from depression or anxiety.
There are many factors that play in to these students feeling the way they do, but it is truly impossible to understand what they are going through unless you have experienced it yourself.
“Lonely mornings, miserable afternoons and sleepless nights,” said an anonymous junior student. “I kept telling myself, ‘Tomorrow will be okay,’ but then inevitably wake up in the same misery.”
A major factor for students developing depression and anxiety is feeling homesick. This typically is found with first year or transfer students who are still trying to mold into the college atmosphere and living away from home.
Using your phone too much can typically lead to students transferring or withdrawing from school as a whole. Too much screen-time can also lead to anxiety and depression. Students from all universities love to broadcast on social media how much fun they are having. It is certainly easy for other students to feel insecure or isolated while seeing their peers having a good time. This generation especially thoroughly enjoys posting their experiences instead of living in the moment.
“Stop scrolling and start living,” said junior political science major Matthew Loparo. “Too many people are so caught up in recording moments on Snapchat that they start to lose sense of reality.”
Another stress that can help spark depression or anxiety is the use of drugs.
Some college students seek drugs and stimulants to help them perform or function. This typically rises around mid-terms, finals and major exams.
In 2016, 9.9 percent of college students admitted to using Adderall to help enhance their performance in the classroom. Similarly, 2.4 percent admitted to using Ritalin.
“Depression is one of the most common mental illness and can be presented in many different ways,” said sophomore psychology major Mattie Porter.
“Being able to recognize a friend or a loved one is struggling is the first step in helping them out of the darkness.”
As Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden said, “We all bleed the same way that you do, and we all have the same things to go through.”
“Be kind to everyone you see,” said sophomore marketing major Matt Nestler. “You never know what someone else may be going through.”
For more assistance and information please visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 1-800-273-8255 to help save either your life or a loved ones.
Video by Renin Broadnax.
