Depression affects many college students
Megan McWethy, Staff Writer
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Lifestyles
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In the world of today, depression is no longer considered a passing mood, but instead is viewed as a serious disease. Across the nation, more and more students are suffering from depression, including those here at the UA.
Jonathan Perry, director of Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, said that depression is on the rise in America, and that university students appear to be part of the increase.
"We have had an increase in service provision at CAPS over the past 15 years, including for depression," he said.
Matthew Brimberry, a senior, agrees that depression is rising and thinks another reason is because of the unfamiliarity of a new setting.
"You look at freshmen being transplanted from one place to another and they don't know anybody," he said.
But depression is a widespread disease that inflicts all ages of students.
"It is important for all students as well as faculty and staff to understand the frequency of depression in our student population," said Mary Alice Serafini,
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
The American Psychological Association said on the APA web site that approximately 17 million Americans suffer from depression during any one-year period.
This translates to one in five people suffering from depression in their lifetime, according to the Wing of Madness website.
"According to a survey conducted through our health center last year, about 25% of U of A students reported experience significant depression at some time during the preceding 12 months," Perry said.
Many students at the UA said they have felt depressed from time to time.
"I think I have [felt depressed], but it was very temporary," said sophomore Lynn Cao.
To help cope, Cao said she tries to change her focus.
"I think about other things rather than the reason why I am feeling depressed."
A popular cause of depression is stress, according to the Psychology Information Online website.
Jonathan Perry, director of Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, said that depression is on the rise in America, and that university students appear to be part of the increase.
"We have had an increase in service provision at CAPS over the past 15 years, including for depression," he said.
Matthew Brimberry, a senior, agrees that depression is rising and thinks another reason is because of the unfamiliarity of a new setting.
"You look at freshmen being transplanted from one place to another and they don't know anybody," he said.
But depression is a widespread disease that inflicts all ages of students.
"It is important for all students as well as faculty and staff to understand the frequency of depression in our student population," said Mary Alice Serafini,
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
The American Psychological Association said on the APA web site that approximately 17 million Americans suffer from depression during any one-year period.
This translates to one in five people suffering from depression in their lifetime, according to the Wing of Madness website.
"According to a survey conducted through our health center last year, about 25% of U of A students reported experience significant depression at some time during the preceding 12 months," Perry said.
Many students at the UA said they have felt depressed from time to time.
"I think I have [felt depressed], but it was very temporary," said sophomore Lynn Cao.
To help cope, Cao said she tries to change her focus.
"I think about other things rather than the reason why I am feeling depressed."
A popular cause of depression is stress, according to the Psychology Information Online website.
