Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, are among the most common mental illnesses on college campuses and have increased in recent years, according to a 2000 study by the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment.
The study found that about 10 percent of college students have diagnosable depression. In 2004, that figure rose to almost 15 percent.
Jeanne Heaton, director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Ohio University, said many mental problems at colleges are caused by common stressors in college life, including academic demands; independence in a new environment; changes in family and social relations; financial responsibilities; exposure to new people, ideas and temptations; awareness of sexual identity; and preparation for life after graduation. Everyone in college is dealing with a lot of the same issues
said OU sophomore Lindsay Caldwell, who has been seeing a counselor since the fall of her freshman year. They feel that no one wants to hear about them but it makes sense to have someone there to listen to you. It's a time when everyone is changing.
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, up to 90 percent of bipolar disorders start before the age of 20.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is a patient advocacy organization established in 1986 for people with mood disorders. A peer-run, local chapter of students and community members meets weekly on OU's campus.
A lot of times when people are in high school they have other things to help them cope
and then when they move to college
they're kind of on their own
said graduate student Laura Merry, who helps run the support group. Sometimes it's brought on or exacerbated by environmental factors. She also said that changing relationships are a big factor.
Merry said about five to 10 people with bipolar disorder or depression usually attend the weekly meetings.
In a 2000 study, the alliance found that participation in a patient-to-patient support group improved treatment compliance by almost 86 percent and also reduced hospitalization.
Depression is a treatable illness involving an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, characterized by changes in mood and behavior. Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternation between states of depression and mania.
It is equally common among genders and is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. However, research shows that women may have more depressive episodes than men, according to the alliance.
In college, students are without the primary network of support -their parents, Heaton said. They have to learn to handle crises in their lives productively.
We try to see every student who needs services within a week
Heaton said. But in order to follow up with it is hard. It takes more than one session to sort out a problem.
Each year, more than 1,300 students come to OU's Counseling and Psychological Services, a free service covered by tuition. Many of those come with mood disorders.
Students today are much more sophisticated about mental health services
Heaton said.
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