It's not abnormal for a student to feel depressed for the first time while at college, considering the first signs of depression most often occur in people who are in their mid-20s, said Marian Binder, director of UA Counseling and Psychological Services.
Since the psychological disorder is not uncommon among college students, Binder said the UA has been increasing its efforts in treating depression during the last six years.
The number of UA students diagnosed with depression is unknown, because it can appear in individuals sporadically or might not require psychotherapy or medication, Binder said.
"However, depression is an overwhelming majority of what we see here, and not all depression is the same," Binder said. "It's important to look at the fact that depression is termed to describe a variety of symptoms. It doesn't emphasize in detail what someone is feeling or thinking."
Binder said although there is evidence that genetics play a role in chronic mood disorders, there are many instances where students feel depressed as a reaction to life events. This type of depression is often temporary and can be caused by a variety of external circumstances.
For students, the biggest external factors triggering depression are relationship-related, such as a conflict with a roommate, significant other, professor or family member, Binder said.
Students might also feel depressed as a result of financial pressures or situational events like not achieving specific goals or failing to make an expected grade on an exam, Binder said.
Depression caused by life events differs from chronic depression or dysthymia - a type of depression where someone feels somewhat depressed or has a negative outlook on life most of the time, Binder said.
Depression symptoms include changes in appetite and sleeping habits, withdrawing from activities, anxiety or nervousness and lack of interest in friends or school. Binder said people who suffer from depression might not feel sad, but might be more negative or worried than usual.
Since depression can be diagnosed on different levels, ranging from low to severe, Binder said students sometimes feel uncertain or afraid about whether or not symptoms are serious enough to need counseling or medication.
"In the culture we live in, mental illness has a big stigma," Binder said. "Sometimes people feel depression is reflecting a weakness or not doing something right."
Binder said when someone assumes it's their fault for being depressed, they may feel ashamed to ask for help.
To reduce this problem, CAPS developed a screening test students can take either in the CAPS center or online, to receive a general diagnosis by answering questions about lifestyle, attitude and previous health history.
The results of the screening offer a general description of the student's mental health and treatment suggestions .
CAPS and ASUA Student Health Advisory Committee recognized National Depression Awareness Day Oct. 7 by providing screening tests outside the health center, said Lora Pittman, health professions senior and director of SHAC.
Although screening tests are usually not part of the committee's program, Pittman said the event coincided with its efforts to inform students about different health issues and advocate better health care in the university.
Pittman said often, students don't know there is a place for them to go and talk, which could be addressed by more advertising for CAPS and increased information on mental health programs.
Binder said students might sometimes avoid treatment because they fear being on medication for the rest of their lives.
Pittman said she has come to understand that fear while watching her mother, who was diagnosed with depression, struggle with whether or not she should take prescribed medication.
"She doesn't want to admit she may be on medication for the rest of her life; she wants to be happy doing it on her own," Pittman said. "The experience has given me a lot of insight as to how people handle situations differently."
National statistics show that overall, 13.5 percent of Americans have been diagnosed with depression. Only 40 percent of those diagnosed are on medication.
Although some individuals suffering from chronic depression need long-term medication, Binder said the majority doesn't need medication, and those who do usually take it for a short period.
Binder said counseling or lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are often effective measures in treating the disorder. Students can also confide in their parents or other students who suffer or know people who suffer from depression.
Students who are questioning their feelings are encouraged to take a screening test or schedule an appointment in the CAPS center. Students can also speak with a CAPS Triage Counselor, a walk-in service providing a screening test and referral for future evaluations.
The CAPS center is located on the third floor of the Highland Commons building at 1224 E. Lowell St. For more information, visit http://www.health.arizona.edu/, or call 520-621-3334.