Parents Should Look Out for Depression, Eating Disorders and Abusive Relationships in College Students

Vacation is over and your student has returned to college. Many parents think of this as a carefree time for these students, but college students need their parents, too. They are at risk of depression, eating disorders, and abusive relationships. What are some of the signs of depression, and other risks, which concerned parents should watch for? Psychiatrist Edward Poa, M.D., shares some signals that trouble could be brewing.

Dr. Poa is the medical director of the Compass Young Adult Program and he treats people between the ages of 18 to 30. Acknowledging that this is the first time that many college students will live away from the security and structure of their home and could suffer from depression, Poa said, "The first few months of college in particular can be tough."

Students are in a new place, without their friends, they have to budget, feed and clothe themselves, and build a new support network. Often all for the first time! It's easy for new college students to suffer from depression.

John Greden, M.D., executive direction of the University of Michigan Depression Center cautions parents that, "probably 15 percent of the college student population may be struggling with depression."

In a recent press release, Psychiatrist Edward Poa, M.D., provides tips for parents to help notice the signs that your college student may be depressed or struggling. Don't ignore them.

The signs include:

* Mood or habits change. Pay attention if your college student, who normally calls home, suddenly stops calling. Perhaps they haven't called and they begin calling. "Any major change in your child's behavior, such as how he or she talks or acts is something to look out for," Dr. Poa says.

* They need more money than in the past. "Your child could be going out quite a lot, or spending it on alcohol or drugs," Dr. Poa says.

* You can't reach them. If your college student is never available, it could be due to an active social life, or spending too much time at parties.