Autumn quarter can be tough. Students have to get back into the routine of classes and re-adjust themselves to new schedules. In recent weeks, midterms and midterm papers have made students' lives especially busy. It is important, however, to take time and reflect on whether this additional pressure is affecting one's mental health.
Graham Beckwith wrote a commendable column in Thursday's Arts section of The Lantern detailing his personal struggle with depression. He is not alone, as about half of college students report they have felt so depressed at times they have trouble functioning, according to the American Psychiatric Association, and the number of college students formally diagnosed with depression grows annually.
With the winter months ahead, cases of depression on campus should only increase as students begin to feel the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Students who think their mental health might be at risk should contact Ohio State's Counseling and Consultation Services at the Younkin Success Center at (614) 292-5766. In the past, waits to be seen at CCS have been weeks, but this year they strive to make intake appointments available within a week.
Students should not let their anxiety prevent them from getting help. Too often people have attached a stigma to those who need psychological help, but these days it is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. In an article from The Lantern earlier this quarter, CCS clinical director Mike Folmar said they see 5 to 6 percent of the university within a year. Judging from mental health statistics, there are even more students who need help but are not seeking it.
Suicide is way too common among college students, and even if their depression is not that severe, it will still affect their lives. Motivation is the biggest key to university success, and depressed students are not often motivated to work. Students can do many things to receive help, but the one thing they cannot do is stay silent.
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Randy Palmer
posted 10/26/07 @ 12:03 PM EST
Well said and timely. Students need to know what is common and how to get the help they may need.
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