Identifying Students that Need Assistance

The Depressed Student

Depression, and the variety of ways it manifests itself, is part of a natural emotional and physical response to life’s ups and downs.  With the busy and demanding life of a college student, it is safe to assume that most students will experience periods of depression in their college careers.  When the depressive symptoms become so extreme or are so enduring that they begin to interfere with the student’s ability to function in school, work or social environment, the student will come to your attention and be in need of assistance.

Students with depression often respond well to a small amount of attention for a short period of time. Early intervention increases the chances of the student’s rapid return to optimal performance.

There are several symptoms of depression.  Remember, a person does not have to exhibit all of these symptoms to meet the criteria for depression. Here are some of the indicators that you might observe:

• Tearfulness or general emotionality
• Anxiety or irritability
• Markedly diminished academic performance
• Significant lack of confidence or poor self-esteem
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Dependency (a student who makes excessive requests for your time)
• Infrequent class attendance
• Lack of energy or motivation; unusually fatigued
• Increased test anxiety or performance anxiety
• Deterioration in personal hygiene
• Significant weight loss of gain
• Signs of alcohol or drug use

Do:

• Let the student know you are aware she/he is feeling down and you would like to help.
• Encourage the student to discuss how she/he is feeling with someone they trust.
• Offer to assist the student by referring her/him to the College Mental Health Program for personal counseling.

Don’t:

• Minimize the student’s feeling (e.g., “Don’t worry.” “Everything will be better tomorrow.”)
• Bombard the student with “fix it” solutions or advice.
• Chastise the student for poor or incomplete work.
• Be afraid to ask the student whether she/he is suicidal.