Causes of Depression

Some college students get depressed for the same reason that people get depressed in the general population-- chemical imbalance, genetics, a history of abuse, family problems, the death of a loved one, a traumatic event in one′s past, and many other reasons as well. The onset of depression often happens when someone is in their late teens and early twenties-- right during the college years. Factors in a typical college student′s lifestyle can help cause and contribute to depression, including:

• The stressful experience of trying to balance classes, work, social life, and other conflicting expectations.
• Uncertainty about money.
• Uncertainty about the future after college.
• Homesickness and the experience of leaving one′s family for the first time.
• Problems with romantic and sexual relationships, which many students are experiencing for the first time.
• Sleep deprivation and poor sleep habits.
• Poor diet and exercise habits.
• Alcohol (especially binge drinking) or drug abuse
• Sexual assault, which is a common problem on college campuses.
• Eating disorders, another common problem.
• The anxiety of coming out to family and peers as a homosexual, another common college experience.
• Dorm and friendship "drama."