HomeBlogPatientWhat Students (and Parents) Need to Know About Depression What Students (and Parents) Need to Know About Depression June 27, 2017Patient At this time of year, most students, regardless of their grade or level, are settling back into a routine of school after holiday breaks. For many college students and their parents, this is a time when homesickness and other anxiety can be at its worst. In fact, Norma Ngo, Psy.D., Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Houston, says many students struggle with feelings of depression and anxiety during the back-to-school rush. “It’s very common. Those feelings can really take the front seat with all the newness that comes with back-to-school time,” she says. “As you can imagine, a lot is changing for students. There may be a return to more unstructured schedules, new roommates, and new living arrangements, just to start. And so you often see some adjustment issues as students try to figure all this new stuff out.” But how can a parent or friend tell when a student may be having more than just some trouble adjusting to a new back-to-school routine? Ngo says that it pays to trust your gut. “During parent orientation, I tell parents that they are the experts. They know their students a lot better than we do. So if something seems off, it’s important to check in,” she says. “Some students may have a diagnosis of depression or anxiety before going back to school. Others may be experiencing it for the first time. But if a parent notices extreme changes in behavior or mood, then it’s time to communicate what you’re seeing. Friends can do the same.” Ngo says some common signs of depression and anxiety are social withdrawal, weight loss, increased alcohol and drug use, sleep problems, and attitudinal changes like increased irritability and anger. Students may also report feelings of loneliness and depression. And it pays for loved ones to listen when they do. “This is when you can ask the student, ‘Is everything okay?’” she says. “And then get more specific with what you are seeing. Even though having that conversation may be uncomfortable, it’s often a relief to the depressed or anxious person when someone does check in. It makes them feel less alone and gives them the opportunity to share what’s going on with them.” Ngo says it’s important for students and their loved ones to understand that depression and anxiety disorders are treatable—and catching them early increases the chances of responding positively to treatments. “Someone caring enough to intervene can make a big difference. And it only takes one person to reach out and make that difference,” she says. “Students who may be struggling with depression need to know that there is hope, there is help, and there are resources to help them through it. So staying connected is really important.” Our articles are for informational purposes only and are reviewed by our Medical Information team, which includes PharmDs, MDs, and PhDs. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors. If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful. 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Patient Which Mental Health Provider Should I Consider? A Symptom-Based Guide The support of a good healthcare provider can make all the difference when you’re struggling with your mental health. But how do you connect to one in a sea of ... Read more
Patient One explanation for why we experience Side Effects? Understanding Your Genetic Response to Antidepressants Antidepressants often play an essential role in helping patients with their mental health conditions. But as many patients can attest, it’s frustrating when... Read more
Patient Barriers at Every Turn: How Systemic and Social Factors Block Men from Mental Health Care Taking the important step of seeking care for mental health isn’t always an easy decision. Uncertainty about the need for care, social stigmas associated wi... Read more
Healthcare Provider Overcoming Side Effect Concerns: Leveraging Pharmacogenomic Insights to Inform Depression and Anxiety Medication Selection Whitnee Brown, a lifelong resident now practicing in Birmingham, Alabama has nearly an entire alphabet following her name, abbreviations for degrees and certifi... Read more
Patient Concerns about Mental Health Medication Side Effects Remain a Barrier to Getting Help for Those Diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety Lisa Roberts has raised a family, reached an impressively high level in her career, and was an anchor for her mother and other family members. When, within ... Read more
Patient Common Antidepressant Side Effects Taking an antidepressant can be an effective way to help treat a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. However, these medications can also cre... Read more
Patient MTHFR Mutations: Clinical Implications and Management Strategies MTHFR mutations—changes in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene—have gained increased attention in the medical community due to their potent... Read more
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Patient Black Trailblazers of Psychiatry and Mental Health: A Legacy of Healing and Advocacy As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recognize a few individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of psychiatry and mental heal... Read more
Patient Mindful Moments: Tips for Anxiety If a well-meaning friend or family member has ever told you to “just breathe” when you’re feeling worked up or stressed out, you’d be forgiven if you felt l... Read more