Anxiety and Depression among college students... Why is this happening?

Joel Kirby

Depression, anxiety, and mental health issues have appeared to become more prevalent in this age of increased health care accessibility. Nationally, surveys conducted in the past few decades indicate a rise in mental health issues, according to Jerald Kay M.D., who states that "in the past 15 years, depression has doubled and suicide tripled" (in America).

This national trend in increasing psychological issues has also been observed among college students. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) has observed an increase in the number of college students seeking aid for anxiety disorders, which reflects a general increase in psychological issues among college students today. However, although more students are seeking psychiatric help, a University of Michigan study found that many avoid help, which mean even more students could be suffering.

Before one asks the question, “Why is this happening among college students?”, it is important to realize that the onset of disorders such as depression and anxiety are more likely to occur between the ages of 18 and 24. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "75 percent of all individuals with an anxiety disorder will experience symptoms before age 22," as cited in an ADAA Report.

Now, to answer the question “Why is this happening among college students?”, there are several plausible factors to be considered. Firstly, college is obviously a major transition for anyone. Students are exposed to new ideas, cultures, philosophies, and unfamiliar surroundings and people. Although many can cope with these changes, some students struggle with their new surroundings, and are more likely to develop psychological issues. When exposed to these new surroundings, people, and ideas, students may feel inadequate, and be unable to cope with the "stressors" they face at college, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

College students may also struggle with understanding their own identities, a concept coined “Identity Disorientation” by Hilary Silver, a licensed clinical social worker and mental health expert for “Campus Calm”. At college, students are no longer around familiar surroundings, and may lose a sense of who they are. This can of course lead to traits of anxiety and depression.