While estimates of the number of students with mental health issues vary, there is no denying that action needs to be taken to reverse this upward trend.

• According to the American Psychiatric Associations, nearly 50% college students admit to being depressed, and 10% have contemplated suicide.
• According to the American College Health Association, 52% of students surveyed felt that things were hopeless, with 36% saying they have felt so depressed it was difficult to function.
• According to a recent study of 600 students, 16% reported feeling like life wasn’t worth living-yet none of these students reported being currently engaged in mental health treatments (study by Timothy Peterson, PhD, of American college students).

“With suicide as the second-leading cause of death among college students, this last statistic is especially alarming. We know that with proper diagnosis and counseling, depression is treatable,” says Oliver Williams, Administrative Director of Bensinger, DuPont & Associates. “May is Mental Health Month, an opportune time to shed light on a critical issue facing a growing number of young adults.”

Mental Health America founded May as Mental Health Month 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental health for all. This year’s theme, “Get Connected” is focused on the important role social connectedness plays in maintaining and protecting mental health and wellness.

The causes for depression among college students are varied. High stress levels, lack of sleep, being away from close friends and family, and heredity have all been shown to lead to struggles with mental health.

As many college students will soon be heading home for summer break, it’s important to know the warning signs for depression. The more readily parents (and friends) can identify these symptoms (particularly when they last for more than two weeks), the quicker they can get those afflicted the help they need. The signs include:

• Sadness; feelings of hopelessness
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy, or motivation
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Indecision, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness
• Poor self-esteem or guilt
• Overreaction to criticism
• Anger and rage

“Because people often believe that depression is a normal part of life’s ups and downs, rather than a real health problem, they don’t get the help they need. But, depression is real and it can be treated effectively,” says Williams. “Learning how to spot the signs and symptoms of depression is the first step to understanding and overcoming the problem.”

Source: Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, a Chicago-based privately owned professional services company is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individual and their families through a wide range of consultation, training, and counseling services.