College is a time of change for students. If one of the changes you notice in your students is excessive sadness, you may wonder whether it’s simply that—sadness—or something more serious, like clinical depression. Here are some specific symptoms of depression, possible causes, and steps parents can take to assist students who may be depressed.

Clinical depression is an illness. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a lack of faith in God. It is a serious, but not uncommon, illness. Some estimates say that 1 in 7 college students suffer from a bout of depression during their college years.

Clinical depression stems from a combination of causes.

1)    Depression can be caused by brain chemistry and structure. Some scientists believe that when chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters are not in balance, depression can occur. These chemical levels may be determined by . . .

  • heredity; in other words, depression can run in families.
  • hormonal changes, which are intense in adolescents and young adults.
  • nutritional deficiencies—such as vitamin D or essential fatty acids.

By looking at pictures of the brain, scientists can see that the structure of the brain in people who have depression looks different than it does in people who do not have depression.

2)    Depression can be caused by environmental and psychological factors. Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, a lifestyle change (like moving away from home), guilt over sin, and other stressors can also trigger depression.

Clinical depression has specific symptoms. Not everyone diagnosed with depression will have all of these symptoms. But if a college student has several of these for more than a month, then they may be suffering from depression.

  • Feeling sad, empty, or fragile: I feel so empty inside. I feel like I’m going to break.
  • Feeling anxious: I’m so overwhelmed. I can’t cope with this.
  • Feelings of hopelessness: It doesn’t matter what I do. Nothing will help.
  • Feelings of guilt: I’m a bad person. God won’t forgive me for what I’ve done.
  • Feelings of worthlessness: I don’t have any friends. God can’t possibly love me.
  • Feeling irritable or restless: I wish everyone would just leave me alone.
  • Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable: I don’t feel like doing anything. I’m so bored.
  • Sleeping a lot or feeling tired all the time: I don’t want to get out of bed. I could sleep a week.
  • Not able to go to sleep or stay asleep: I’m so tired, but I can’t sleep. I wake up at 3 every night and worry about everything.
  • Overeating: My freshman 15 has turned into the freshman 25.
  • Not eating: Nothing looks good. Nothing tastes good. I’m just not hungry.
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions: I just can’t remember what the prof said. I can’t make sense of this paper.
  • Thinking about suicide or making suicide attempts: If I killed myself, this would all go away. I wish I would just get in a car accident.
  • Ongoing aches and pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not go away: I feel like I have the flu all the time. My shoulders and back hurt all the time.

Clinical depression can and should be treated. College students suffering from serious depression cannot get better simply by pulling themselves together, thinking more positive thoughts, praying, or studying their Bibles more. Telling them that they should “trust God more” or “just get over it” may only increase their feelings of worthlessness.

Different students will choose different paths for getting help. But you are encouraged to seek the assistance of professionals:

  • You might talk to a health professional. An honest discussion with a doctor and a full physical check-up might reveal another medical condition that is causing the depression—like low Vitamin D or iron levels. Once this condition is treated, the depression symptoms may go away as well.
  • You might talk to a mental health professional, such as a counselor, psychologist, or psychotherapist, or a pastor trained in counseling. At MLC, Pastor Boeder and VP Schone have counseling training and experience—as well as access to other Christian mental health professionals.

Treatment of depression may consist of counseling (talk therapy or psychotherapy) and sometimes medication to reestablish the correct chemical balance in their brains. Untreated depression can severely disable a young adult and increase over time.

Clinically depressed students need their parents’ help. If you think your student may be suffering from depression, ignoring it will not make it go away. Find a way to open up a discussion about it. Talk about it as the illness it is, rather than a spiritual weakness or a sign of “being crazy.” And then be pro-active about helping your student get treatment.

College is generally a time for parents to step back and let their children make their own decisions, but when college students are suffering from depression, they may be too debilitated to take care of themselves. Parents should step in and do all they can to be supportive.

*This article adapted from information found on the National Institute of Mental Health website: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/