Part 1

One of the main things that is encrypted in American society nowadays is to improve our quality of life and accomplish our goals by attending a post-secondary institution. There are several aspects that come along with this process: there are applications and scholarships to be filled out, colleges and universities to be visiting, and finally selecting the ideal school for you and ultimately attending it. Wherever that school may be located, one thing is for certain- one will endure an abounding amount of new experiences. One of the main and most difficult experiences a college student will encounter throughout their journey through college is depression.

At one point, perhaps over the first month of school or during stressful finals week, college students will go through a phase of despondency, especially as freshman. As stated in the scientific journal “Depression and Related Problems in University Students” by researchers Field, Diego, Pelaez, Deeds, and Delgado, “The incidence of depression in university students is not only increasing in foreign countries but also in the U.S. In a 2005 national survey of college counseling center directors, 86% reported an increase in severe psychological problems including depression (Gallagher et al, 2005). This increasing incidence is problematic given that Major Depression Disorder in adulthood has its first onset during or shortly before college age (Kessler et al, 2005) (Field et al. 194). Not only does Major Depression Disorder begin displaying its symptoms in people in their late teens and early twenties, that also happens to be the approximate ages people move out from home to attend college. As stated in Maclean’s Canadian news magazine, “In preliminary findings from an unpublished study involving several U.S. schools, Cornell psychologist Janis Whitlock found 7.5 per cent of students who started university with no history of mental illness developed some symptoms. About five per cent who did have a previous history of mental illness saw symptoms increase while at university. She says, ‘there's probably never been a more complicated time to be growing up than right now’” (Lunau). The studies show it, we have experienced it, the problem is apparent; depression is prevalent among college freshman.

Perhaps a closer look at the causes of college depression will help us better understand the issue and what can be done about it. Moving from the comfort of your home and adjusting to a foreign city and living in a diminutive dormitory unquestionably has an impact mentally and physically. For some, this transition is easier than for others. Based on my personal experience at Arizona State University and the interactions I have had with other freshman during my time attending this institution, I have received mixed responses. However, I have noticed that a large part of the freshman population has experienced homesickness at one point or another since their move to Tempe. Because the move is so recent and our life is changing so rapidly, I believe depression affects college freshman the most.

Furthermore, another cause for college depression is culture shock. In addition to being homesick, college culture is different than everything else out there in the world. Upon my arrival to Arizona State University, I was astounded as to how, in a sense, college students are secluded from the rest of society. As mentioned in a research paper in the scientific journal Education for Health: Change in Learning & Practice, “Students living in university residences everywhere experience frail living conditions, being away from their homes and families, due to the stress of studies and absence of readily available guidance for academic and non-academic problems” (Shaikh and Deschamps vol. 19). In addition to Shaikh and Deschamps’ observations, college students face the pressure of developing a social life and being accepted among everyone else, all while doing well in school. With all of these burdens one cannot help but break at one point. Being in college is difficult, and being able to handle everything is even more laborious.

Depression brings about nothing but bad repercussions, as it is detrimental to our health and, in some cases, may even cause death. Moreover, depression causes sleep disturbances. If a student is not getting the ideal amount of sleep a day it will eventually affect his or her performance in school, in addition to mood swings and a poor diet. Also proven in Education for Health: Change in Learning & Practice, “Isolation, fatigue, stress, depression, and difficulties in coping with day-to-day problems are frequent notions associated with student populations. Lack of balanced diet is often related to difficulty in managing time and finances while living in university residences (Shaikh and Deschamps vol. 19). This is not the way to start college, and much less the way for someone to be living their life.

To my knowledge, Arizona State University has taken matters into their own hands to help solve and eradicate this issue. There are counseling services offered at Health Services in each of the four campuses, along with medication and psychotherapy sessions. In addition to counseling, Arizona State University offers a vast amount of student activities and clubs that students may choose to become involved in. While these courtesies are greatly appreciated and helpful to an extent, not very many people actually take advantage of these services. Many times freshman are not very familiar with the campus, they do not know counseling is even offered, or they simply cannot afford it.

There are multiple solutions to prevent and diminish depression among college freshman. One solution would be to advertise the amenities Health Services has to offer a little more. A good way to do that would be to send a massive email to new coming freshman and post informative posters around the dormitories. Another possible solution could be that ASU could sponsor counselors about twice a month to come to the lounges at the dorms and students could have a session with them at no cost. However, the solution that I believe would be the most effective would be to train Community Assistants in counseling and how to deal with depression. From personal experience, I feel much more comfortable talking to someone around my age about my problems and dilemmas rather than an adult. If Community Assistants and Peer Mentors were qualified to deal with these types of issues I believe this would dramatically decrease the amount of college depression among college freshman at Arizona State University.

Works Cited

JEANNETTE DELGADO, et al. "Depression And Related Problems In University Students." College Student Journal 46.1 (2012): 193-202. Academic Search Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

          "THE BROKEN GENERATION. (Cover Story)." Maclean's 125.35 (2012): 54-58. Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.

          Shaikh, Babar, and Jean-Pierre Deschamps. "Life In A University Residence: Issues, Concerns And Responses." Education For Health: Change In Learning & Practice (Taylor     & Francis Ltd) 19.1 (2006): 43-51. Academic Search Premier. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.