Discuss how the "college blues," or mild depression affects college students, the reasons many college students suffer from this mild depression, how to distinguish the "college blues" from a more serious type of depression, and ways to combat the "c

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will include that during the school year, many college students suffer symptoms of depression, which can exert a toll on academic performance. In one study, students diagnosed with depression scored half a grade point below nondepressed students. Some common reasons college students become depressed include: (1) Stresses from college work and pressures to choose a career can leave students feeling that they are missing out on fun or that all their hard work is meaningless. (2) Isolation and loneliness are common when students leave their support groups behind. In the past, family, a circle of high school friends, and often a boyfriend or girlfriend could be counted on for support and encouragement. (3) Problems with studying and grades frequently trigger depression. Many students start college with high aspirations and little prior experience with failure. At the same time, many lack basic skills necessary for academic success and are afraid of failure. (4) Depression can be triggered by the breakup of an intimate relationship, either with a former boyfriend or girlfriend or with a newly formed college romance. (5) Students who find it difficult to live up to their idealized images of themselves are especially prone to depression. (6) An added danger is that depressed students are more likely to abuse alcohol, which is a depressant. Most people know, obviously enough, when they are "down." One should assume that more than a minor fluctuation in mood is involved when these conditions exist: (1) persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings?
(2) feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness; (3) difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions; (4) feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism; and (5) loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including