Depression is common in about half of all female students as they try to adjust to college life, according to a recent study conducted at UCLA.
The study found depression is now more prevalent among first-year females than in any other college population.
Forty-seven percent of women entering college fall into a clinical depression within their first year, the study found.
University females are not immune to such depression, said University Student Health Director James C. Turner.
"We are definitely seeing more college students coming in with clinical depression or developing it while here," Turner said.
Depression at the University is not restricted to first-year students or to women, said Rafael Triana, University Center for Counseling director.
"Women tend to be more psychologically minded, more in tune to feeling and more comfortable seeking help," Triana said.
Men suffering from depression almost never seek help; therefore, it is important that men as well as women realize that help is available, he said.
The University offers several options for students seeking aid, including seminars given by the University Center for Counseling and Psychiatric Services, weekly consultants available in Dabney House lounge and CAPS' 24 hour on-call service.
Resident Advisors also are available for consultation on every first-year hall.
In the near future the University will be offering a national program known as Depression Screening Day, Turner said.
Depression often can arise from the pressures first-year students face as they leave home for the first time.
"Depression is more of a problem among first years who are dealing with living on their own and harder classes," first-year College student Kristi Laurenz said.
But Resident Staff members said they think depression is not any more prevalent now than it has been in the past.
"This is a difficult time for [first years] but this is not different from any other years," Residence Life Co-Chairwoman Esther Adams said.
Some first years said they believe the best way to prevent depression is to meet people, so they can feel more comfortable at the University.
"The more people you meet the more comfortable you will feel," first-year College student Jon Unger said.
Read More
17 Society paints over Beta Bridge memorial to Nov. 13 shooting victims
By Finn Trainer | 1 hours agoIn response to the decision to paint over the original memorial, multiple members of the University community took to Beta Bridge late Thursday afternoon to paint another memorial.
New School of Data Science building advances interdisciplinary, data-driven work
By Lexie Stadler | 5 hours agoEmma Candelier, director of communications for the SDS, said that the building provides a distinct collaborative space to data science students for the first time.
Honor Committee plans Dorm Talks and finals week initiatives
By Lexie Stadler | 2 days agoIn an effort to enhance student outreach and introduce incoming students to the Honor System, the Committee will reintroduce Dorm Talks in the Fall 2024 semester.
