What Do These Students Have In Common?

College and Stress Common stressors in college life include:

Greater academic demands Being on your own in a new environment Changes in family relations Financial responsibilities Changes in your social life Exposure to new people, ideas, and temptations Awareness of your sexual identity and orientation Preparing for life after graduation Psychological make-up can also play a role in vulnerability to depression. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or are readily overwhelmed by stress may be especially prone to depression.

For Marta, her feelings of being "not good enough" were worsened by the stress of the academic demands of college and the emotional conflict caused by her parents' divorce, which combined to trigger her episode of major depression.

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) As mentioned earlier, bipolar disorder is a type of depressive illness that involves mood swings that go from periods of depression to periods of being overly "up" and irritable. Sometimes the mood swings are dramatic or rapid, but most often they occur gradually, over several weeks. The "up" or manic phase can include increased energy and activity, insomnia, grandiose notions and impulsive or reckless behavior, including sexual promiscuity.

Medication usually is effective in controlling manic symptoms and preventing the recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes.

During a manic episode, I stayed awake for five days straight, but had a lot of energy. I spent my tuition on a major shopping spree and long distance phone calls. I also had sex with several guys that I hardly knew. At the time, I felt so great that I couldn't see that there were seious problems with what I was doing. - Teresa

Suicide Thoughts of death or suicide are usually signs of severe depression. "If you're feeling like you can't cope anymore, or that life isn't worth living, get help," advised Darrel, a student who tried to kill himself during his freshman year. "Talking to a professional can get you past those intense feelings and save your life."

Suicidal feelings, thoughts, impulses, or behaviors always should be taken seriously. If you are thinking about hurting or killing yourself, SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY. Contact someone you trust to help you: a good friend, academic or resident advisor, or:

Staff at the student health or counseling center A professor, coach, or advisor A local suicide or emergency hotline (get the phone number from the information operator or directory) A hospital emergency room Call 911

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7