Depression in College Students
Introduction:
Human nature varies throughout the world. How an individual perceive and understand situation rely on diverse issues encompassing personal, social, economical or environmental. Childhood grooming demands positive, encouraging and congenial family and social atmosphere. This not only motivates and inculcates confidence but also provides ability to grasp and tackle stress and related issues intelligently.
In this competitive epoch and demanding life, stress cannot be evaded. We do not come across tough situations every day, it happens occasionally when situation turn out to be beyond our control. The situation becomes tough when major transitions are taking place in particular, when a student joins college, a shift from a nurturing family and home security to outer world.
Chemical imbalance, genetics, a history of abuse, family problems, death of loved one, any trauma in the past, pressures related with the academic performance, cut-throat competition, several adjustments in a new environment, a fear of failure in the chosen field, psycho-social, financial pressures generated due to escalating cost of education and books and to meet the domestic needs on a limited budget, lack of financial literacy, sexual assault, alcohol or drug abuse, poor diet and exercise habits, relationships, both friendship and physical, with opposite sex and peer pressure to frame a good impression upon everyone, loss of harmony, preparing for life after graduation.
In order to meet the expectations at all levels, trying to balance classes with work and social life, and to prove one’s worth, the students experience total deficiency of orientation, expression, motivation, hopelessness, despair and anguish, all these factors keep the students under stress, frustration, anxiety and gradually this sow the seeds of depression, the condition about which the student(s) may not be aware. The situation if ignored becomes devastating.
Depression is a severe medical condition that engrosses the body, mood and thoughts. It can affect person’s outlook, routine activities, behaviour and conduct. It can change the overall personality. Individual(s) with such illness cannot simply “put themselves together” and get better.
Measures taken by college authorities to combat depression in students-
The college authorities are becoming aware of the level and amount of stress the students are going through. Some of the Institution takes utmost care of the students so that they do not become the victim of depression and related disorders. They do counseling of the students so as to make them aware about various kinds of drug abuse and alcohol abuse (NY Times, 1997).
Various organizations are coming up so as to help students get study loan to complete their education. Many student welfare organizations are established to support the students in their academics, in finances and also give concern to their personal problems that induce stress and depression in the students (Section 4: Supporting Students’ Welfare). They take care of any disability if the student has and also aid financial security to the students. They pay chief and supreme level of attention to the “worrying students”.
Student forum are established, where students can discuss explicitly about their problem(s) and get the best solution (http://www.americancollege.edu/Student_Forum.aspx).
Some of the Universities depute their staff members to discuss with the students in a friendly and congenial manner so that they can outburst their stress or any kind of anxiety creeping in their minds (Section 4: Supporting Student’s Welfare).
Authorities have started various online help services for those students who feel uncomfortable to discuss out their issues or they are scared of the anticipatory consequences, or they are shy enough to speak (www.counsel.soton.ac.uk/publications/referrals.php).
Various Universities have Chaplains. They are available at Chaplaincy Centre(s) and students can talk confidentially and discuss their worries and grievances.
Numerous Careers Advisory Service(s) (Section 4: Supporting Student’s Welfare), run events throughout the year that encompass Career Focus weeks for Second Years and Finalists. They also organize Work Experience Fair, Finance and I.T Fair, Skill Workshops. These not only support the students but also provide means and guidelines to achieve success.
The college and Universities also have diverse High field health facilities, Day Nurseries, gymnasiums, for better health of the student.
Some of the Colleges also run various personality development programs, they help the students in self- improvement and also build confidence of “CAN DO” attitude.
Nightline services are also provided by some Universities, which comprise confidential telephone listening service run by students for students (Section 4: Supporting Student’s Welfare).
Many higher authorities of educational institutions, universities and colleges are aware of the consequences of stress that their students are going through so they have started appointing psychologists. They talk with college students about the relationships they have with both their parents and peers. Mattering to others is important to college students, and negative affect may be exacerbated if peer relationships are lacking.
To reduce perceived stress and depression, college students may benefit from understanding the developmental process that occurs in college. Psychologists can assist college student clients in developing close and healthy interpersonal relationships with peers by teaching important skills, such as open communication and assertiveness. It is also important to take the sex of the client into consideration given that sex differences were found consistently in this study. Though women may feel that they matter to others more than men do, they also experience more college stress and depression. As women and men report comparable levels of self-esteem, psychologists may want to implement interventions focusing on other factors such as the interpersonal relationships of women, particularly the family and friends to whom they believe they matter.
What measures Colleges and Universities must take to reduce depression and help students coping with it proactively:
“Depression is a huge problem in the college student population” says John Greden M.D executive director of U-M Depression Centre. College students are framing negative headlines in the news, initially it was related to alcohol, drug, physical abuse but in the present scenario the concern is for mental illness in the college campuses. In American Psychology Today Hara Marrano says “Mental illness is absolutely going off the charts on college campuses”. Psychiatrist Shamsah Sonawalla of Massachusetts General Hospital says “there is no just increase in the prevalence “ of psychological problems in college students but “an identification of problems earlier . that we recognize it more is a good thing. But we have opened up Pandora’s box” that Many students do not know notice the changes in them, they may feel anxiety, stress blues, but cannot root out the biological cause, they may feel that they are falling behind then their peers (Ann Arbor, MI)
The Symptoms of depression are based on- genetics, environment, life events, family and social environment and medical conditions together stimulate the brain to release mood altering neurotransmitters that may lead to anxiety, stress and depression.
The authorities must take the charge of not only counselling the students and parents (if required) but also amend the curriculum if required so as to put let pressure on students. Things like easy ways to study must be implemented. Co=operation is desired in case if the faculty members come across any situation if they notice grouchy and irritable behaviour of the collegiate, if the student becomes slow in thinking and speaking than normal, trouble in concentrating, remembering and making decisions, changes in habits especially eating and sleeping, lose interest in things , they use to enjoy, and if the student(s) have feeling of guilt, hopelessness, and wonder if the life is worth living. Above all if the student is thinking a lot about death or suicide, frequent complains about headache and stomach-ache.
Although the findings of this study are compelling, certain limitations need to be recognized. All of the measures were self report, and there were no behavioral indicators of the constructs being examined. There may have been a ceiling effect on mattering with the average score 3.27 out of a possible 4. In addition, the self-reported yearly family income was relatively high.
In addition, the study was conducted at only one university in one area of the United States. Again, generalizing the findings to students across the United States should be made cautiously. This study found that perceived mattering, a relatively new construct, self-esteem, and sex of participant are highly related to both depression and perceived stress, and that when combined with stress, they accounted for a considerable portion of the variance in depression. These findings have practical implications regarding issues to be addressed in therapy for those psychologists who work on college campuses. In addition, this study adds to the empirical knowledge about depression, as well as perceived stress, and calls for more research on these variables and their interconnectedness.
What Authorities can really do:
1.Help students get organized with their work
2.Students must also be allowed to take breaks, it is essential to have mental relaxation
3. Students must be encouraged for practicing and reharsing on their weakness rather than demotivating them.
4. the attitude to “Do it Now” must be given some relaxation to avoid stress and distress among the students.
5. students must be realized about their limitations and at the same time authorities mut encourage about their talents (hidden and expressed). This will provide confidence and mental relaxation.
6. Attitude of the student must be judged by the faculty members.
7. Students must be encouraged to pland their work schedule to have a systematic and less stressful work.
8. A positive and encouraging atmosphere reduces stress. it is the responsibility of college authorities to organise programs for the students which are related to their cultural and education.
9. Authorities must avoid comparisons between students as this becomes the sole reason for stress in students.
10. Pressures for the examination and performace can be reduced by introducing an educationa system that aids in learning through activities and projects, they should have practical orientation. This helps in grasping the subject fast.
11. Teaching through teaching aids always make the learning easy.
These are the efforts if taken can reduce the stress in college students and help the students to become a good and responsible citizens. The kind of education imparted by the Institutions id depicted in the personality of the students. Hence these students will shape the society in much reformed manner and can become a big help in reducing stress in fellows.
Monika Nigam
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/depression-in-college-students-748508.html
The Secret, Law of Attraction And Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
The Law of attraction states that we attract to our lives whatever we give our attention, energy and focus to .. whether wanted or unwanted. The law of attraction is a universal law and has been around since creation. The law is consistent, powerful, responsive and fair. It simply means that, what you focus on is what you receive.
Law of Attraction is helping many people create abundance in their lives. However there are also many people who are stuck in achieving their goals because of negative emotions and limiting beliefs.
When I read about the Law of Attraction, I was gratified and thrilled. I could quit my “regular and safe” job because I realized that I could manifest anything I desired, if it was the highest good of all. I faced many blocks like fear of failure, doubt and negative beliefs from other people who did not believe in my path. It was easy to brush it off externally but deep inside it was impacting me. Even though I was visualizing success I was not making any progress in my new career and I felt stuck. I used Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on myself and cleared all the blocks. I used the law of attraction to attract the right people, right clients and right resources. I then started manifesting success.
Why Should I combine EFT and Law of Attraction?
Feelings of fear, anxiety and low self esteem are natural because of difficult life experiences.
When we apply Law of Attraction for a goal, negative emotions like fear of success/failure, guilt about being wealthy, doubts and negative beliefs may block us from achieving our goals. These negative emotions cause us to send contradicting messages to the universe. We could be spending time visualizing our goal everyday but for the rest of the time, if we are vibrating with fear, frustration or anxiety, it blocks the flow of abundance.
EFT helps in clearing these emotional blocks and also installs positive beliefs and emotions. Along with manifesting your goal you are also healing and empowering yourself.
Can you identify with these blocks to abundance?
* Fear of Success
* Fear of Failure
* Guilt about being rich
* Fear of being rejected by loved ones
* Fear of coping with money
* Doubts
* Past Patterns of Failure
* Fear that money will change you
* Belief that it has to be a struggle
* Negative beliefs about money
* Comfort Zones
* Procrastination
* Lack of patience
* Self Sabotage
* Conflict with receiving
All these blocks should be identified and healed for law of attraction to work more effectively. Heal emotional blocks and embrace abundance which is your divine right.
Susitha Reddy
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/the-secret-law-of-attraction-and-emotional-freedom-techniques-eft-418085.html
Surviving Night Time Panic Attack With These Simple Tips!
Panic attack at night is real and if you’ve experienced the sensation of waking up and feeling sudden terror, then you know it’s not a pleasant experience.
Nocturnal panic attack is not usually as severe as the daytime version but can still leave a person a little worse for wear mentally, especially if it occurs on a regular basis. It’s important not to get the night time panic attack confused with other sleep-based terrors such as sleep-terror disorder in children or adult incubus, a night terror with symptoms of tingling and paralysis.
Panic attack at night is interesting in the fact it’s not an associated response to a nightmare. They are experienced in the most part during the first three hours of a person going to sleep and after the experience, a person may find it difficult to go back to sleep.
Possible Causes
Panic attack follows a period of stress in most situations. A person may be going through a relationship break up, work stress, financial stress, major change in their lives or any number of similar situations.
Accepting increased responsibility can also be a catalyst for eventual panic attack. The human psyche is such that many individuals dream of bettering themselves but when presented with an opportunity such as an elevation in job status, suddenly develop a fear of failure. Fearing failure is a symptom which can cause high anxiety in many individuals.
Eventually, the build up of stress over time can translate into panic attack and these include nocturnal episodes.
A Nocturnal Panic Attack Experience
So what does a person feel when night time panic occurs? Sudden fear is common and reports of having forgotten to complete something. There may be a deadline a person needs to meet for whatever reason and fear of failing to meet it can weigh heavily on their minds. The first thought they have when they awake is they’ve missed it! It’s almost as if they’ve been transported into time and played out the situation already with the consequences having been suffered.
The same applies to people who have an early appointment. It may be getting up early to catch a morning flight or cab ride to the airport and stress could set in when they begin to think of the consequences if they miss it. Is the alarm going to go off? Will I hear the alarm? Will I hear it and turn it off half asleep and continue sleeping?
In other instances people will awaken and feel as if somebody is in the room. This is a scary experience for many as fear sets in. A state of frozen fear will grip them and they lay still refusing to move. Others will head to the kitchen and try and relieve the stress by eating.
Relief Suggestions Night Time Panic Attack
Obviously, if the attacks continue to be a factor then seeking professional help may be a preferred course of action. Other than that, being as relaxed as possible before going to bed may help. Perhaps try some meditation or breathing exercises. Try to change your thought patterns while laying in bed and think positively. Exercise of a physical nature may be beneficial as it can take your mind off the stresses of the day.
Dean Caporella
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/surviving-night-time-panic-attack-with-these-simple-tips-124523.html
Cure Anxiety – Learn the Tricks to Stop Anxiety Forever:
Homeopathy
Some of the most well-known homeopathic remedies for anxiety are Aconitum, Arsenicum, Gelsemium, Lycopodium and Phosphorus.
Also, PureCalm.
Aconitum: often used as a remedy for panic attacks that come on suddenly with intense fear (even fear of death) may justify this remedy. A state of intense anxiety can be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and a flushed face.
Arsenicum: Recommended for persons who are extremely anxious about their health, and deeply concerned with security and maintaining order.
Gelsemium: This remedy is useful when you feel weak, tired, you’re trembling, and feel mentally feeble. A perfect example would be someone paralysed with fear. It is also useful for when a person is anxious about an upcoming event like a public performance or interview, or other stressful events: Diarrhea, chills, perspiration, and headaches will often develop in these people with anxiety.
Lycopodium: those suffering an inner sense of inadequacy, putting up fronts, pretending to be something they are not. They feel anxious from constant mental stress and have a lack of confidence. They may be extremely self-conscious and may be easily intimidated by other people they think are powerful. They may be deeply anxious and have a grave fear of failure. They usually do really well at a task once they have begun it.
Phosphorus: When the victim is imaginative, openhearted, excitable, jumpy, easily startled, and full of vivid and intense fears. Strong anxiety can be caused in such individuals by virtually anything. Such sufferers are nervous and highly sensitive to others. They can be overly sympathetic towards other people to the point of exhausting them self, becoming “spaced out” or even sick. They crave company and reassurance. Conversation or a hug makes them feel better; easily red and flushed in the face, thirst, heart palpitations and intense desire for cold are also indicative of Phosphorus.
Talk to your Homeopath for what’s right for you.
By: John Horrax (Get FREE Anxiety Treatment)
About the Author:
By John Horrax. For better ways to cure anxiety, stress, panic, fear, or phobia click here: http://www.johnsreview.net/beatanxiety.html
REFERENCES:
You Know, That Writer, Fighting Anxiety with Natural Herbal Remedies: St. John’s Wort, Black Cohosh, Kava Kava and More.
This article is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT MEDICAL
ADVICE. No one including the editor, author, reference authors, or anyone else or any company
take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary
modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the
information contained in this article. The publication of this article does not constitute
the practice of medicine, and the information contained in it does not replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. Before undertaking any treatment whatsoever, the reader
must seek the advice of their doctor or other health care provider.
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