1 in 5 students will experience depression

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year, according to Mental Health America.

Timothy Petersen, Ph.D., is a clinical and research psychologist who conducted a study of American college students and their risk for depression and suicide. The study was conducted at two major universities and 600 students were screened.

Of those 600 students, approximately 16 percent reported feeling like life wasn't worth living, yet none of these students reported being currently engaged in mental health treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the first step in defeating depression is recognizing it. They define depression as five or more symptoms for two weeks or longer.

Some symptoms of depression include sadness, decreased energy, loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of hopelessness and difficulty concentrating.

"I think a common cause of depression among our students is stress," said Dr. Jan Gembol from SCSU's Counseling and Psychological Services. "College can be very stressful and stress and depression are related."

According to the NIMH, college-related stress includes being on your own in a new environment, exposure to new ideas and temptations and preparing for life after graduation.

Gembol also said academic demands, finances, relationships and balancing responsibilities are reasons students become stressed.

In addition to stress and environment, the NIMH says that depression often runs in families. However, depression can also occur for no apparent reason.

Campusblues.com says that clinical depression can affect a person's mood, body, thoughts and behavior. Depression can change not only how people eat, think and feel, but also their ability to work, study and interact with the people around them.

Clinical depression is highly treatable, according to the National Mental Health Association. However, more than half of people with depression don't seek the help they need, often because they don't know the symptoms, think depression will go away or are ashamed to talk about how they feel.

"The stigma of seeking help from the counseling center is decreasing and students are realizing that asking for help is nothing to be embarrassed about," Gembol said

Gembol also said that if someone was embarrassed about getting help, she would tell them that about 1 in 5 people will experience depression at some point during their lives, so students aren't alone.

In addition to treatment, Mental Health America suggests the following for college students to cope with depression: carefully planning your day, participating in extracurricular activities, finding support from friends and family, trying relaxation methods and taking time for yourself every day.

Gembol said that one of the best things students can do, in addition to counseling, is exercise. One of the effects of depression, however, is decreased energy. When someone doesn't have energy, it's hard to get motivated to exercise.

"I suggest that someone who is depressed try to get their body moving in whatever way they can - walk more, join an intramural sports team, use the stairs instead of the elevator or attend a group fitness class through Campus Rec," Gembol said.