How a College Student Can Fight Depression

According to a "Newsweek" article by Daniel McGinn and Ron Depasquale, more than 40 percent of college students experience crippling depression at least once a year. This article also notes a startling statistic: over 1,100 students commit suicide ever year. Because of both facts, universities are taking action. More college level therapists are being hired. Students are being screened prior to admission to see if they have a history of mental illness. Also, New York University decided to have a 24 hour hotline after four students committed sucide in the 2003-04 school year. With these notes for a serious problem in hand, this article will focus on how students can get through a college term, or finish school, without having any form of depression destroying their chances of success.

The signature problems pointed out in McGinn and Depasquale's "Newsweek" article were society's beliefs on depression. Before, students were almost encouraged to "tough it out" instead or receiving treatment. While this has not changed overnight, the "stigma" of mental illness appears to be declining. More and more students are looking for help. Medications and therapists are being utilized. Colleges are opening phone-help lines for students trying to cope with depression and other mental illnesses. Medications, therapists, and phone lines are just the beginning for students.