INTRODUCTION :

A lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and not enough exercise are a recipe
for depression among college students. The stress that comes with
academia — including financial worries, pressure to get a good job after
school, and failed relationships — is enough to force some students to
leave college or worse.

Many factors of college life contribute to risk factors of depression. Many

students are unprepared for university life. Today’s students face high debt.
They also have fewer job prospects after graduation than previous
generations. These added concerns can lead to depressive episodes in
college students.

Depressed students are at a greater risk of developing problems such as

substance abuse. Depressed college students are more likely to binge
drink, smoke marijuana, and participate in risky sexual behaviors to cope
with emotional pain than are their nondepressed peers

What causes depression?

Depression isn’t a simple condition with a known cause. Some people are more
susceptible to depressive episodes while others are not. It’s important to discuss
symptoms with your doctor. There are several possible causes of depression.

Genetic

Depression may be an inherited condition. You may have a higher likelihood of

experiencing a depressive disorder at some point in your life if you have a family
member with depression. The exact genes involved are not known. It’s believed
that many genes may play a factor in causing depression.

Biochemical
Some people have noticeable changes in their brains with depression. Even though
this potential cause isn’t understood, it does suggest depression starts with brain
function. Some psychiatrists look at brain chemistry with cases of depression.

Neurotransmitters in the brain — specifically serotonin, dopamine, or

norepinephrine — affect feelings of happiness and pleasure and may be out of
balance in people with depression. Antidepressants work to balance these
neurotransmitters, mainly serotonin. How and why these neurotransmitters get out
of balance and what role they play in depressive states isn’t fully understood.

Hormonal

Changes in hormone production or functioning could lead to the onset of

depressive states. Any changes in hormone states — including menopause,
childbirth, thyroid problems, or other disorders — could cause depression.

With postpartum depression, mothers develop symptoms of depression after giving

birth. It’s normal to be emotional because of the changing hormones, but
postpartum depression is a serious condition.

Seasonal

As daylight hours get shorter in the winter, many people develop feelings of
lethargy, tiredness, and a loss of interest in everyday activities. This condition was
called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Now it’s known as major depressive
disorder with seasonal pattern. Your doctor may prescribe medication or a light box
to help treat this condition. The condition also usually goes away once the days get
longer.

Situational

Trauma, a big change, or struggle in life can trigger a case of depression. Losing a
loved one, being fired, having financial troubles, or undergoing a serious change
can have a big impact on people.
What are the risk factors of
depression?
Many factors can increase your risk of developing depression at some point
in your life. Risk factors include:

 being a woman (more women are diagnosed with depression than men)
 having low self-esteem
 having blood relatives with depression
 being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
 having other mental health disorders, like anxiety or bipolar disorder
 abusing drugs or alcohol
 having a serious or chronic illness
 taking certain medications, like sleeping pills
 living in a region of the world that has long winter nights and limited
sunlight

Based on the survey that we’ve conducted amoung students of our own university , we’ve come to a
conclusion that :

Consequence of untreated depression :

In extreme cases , untreated depression may cause suicide, in order to find out weather you , your
family member, your friend etc are leaning towards suicide look out for these signs :

 Talking, writing, or thinking about killing or hurting oneself or threatening

to do so
 Depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that
gets worse
 Having a "death wish;" tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death
-- for example, driving through red lights
 Losing interest in things one used to care about
 Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
 Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or changing a will
 Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
 A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be
happy
 Suddenly visiting or calling people one cares about
 Talking about suicide
 Increase in drinking alcohol or using drugs
 Writing a suicidal note
 Watching well publicized murder and/or suicide reports in the media
 Conducting on-line searches on ways to commit suicide
 Seeking methods to kill oneself, such as getting a gun or pills