Stress and Depression
in University Students
Pamela Coburn-Litvak, Ph.D.
www.leavingtheshadowland.com
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
140 schools
88,178 students2018
What is Stress?
Stress is our
RESPONSE
To Life’s Pressures
Heart rate &
blood pressure
Breathing
Blood clotting
Stress Hormones
Speeds up delivery
of oxygen and
nutrients
Protects against blood
loss due to injury
• Increases alertness
• Delivers energy
• Enhances immune function
STRESSOR
Heart rate &
blood pressure
Breathing
Blood clotting
Stress Hormones
Atherosclerosis – can
lead to stroke
Increased wear and tear
on the heart & arteries –
can lead to
cardiovascular disease
• Irritability, anxiety
• Energy problems
• Suppressed immune function
• Mental distress
Intensity & Duration
STRESSOR
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Main Stressors
in University Students
Avg
Academics 50% 53% 42%
Finances 36% 38% 29%
Sleep difficulties 33% 36% 28%
Family problems 31% 35% 21%
Personal appearance 31% 35% 21%
Romantic relationships 31% 33% 28%
Career-related 29% 35% 25%
Other relationships 29% 31% 23%
Health issues 22% 24% 16%
Death of family member/friend 17% 18% 13%
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Stress (over past 12 months)
Felt more than
average stress? 5
Avg
5 4
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Stress (over past 12 months)
Felt exhausted
(not physically)? 8
Avg
9 8
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Stress (over past 12 months)
Felt
overwhelmed? 9
Avg
9 8
What is Depression?
Major Depressive Disorder* occurs when you have at
least 5 of the following 9 symptoms daily for 2+ weeks:
• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities
• Significant weight loss or gain (more than 5% in a month)
• Insomnia (lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
• Feeling restless, agitated or slowed down
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
*The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, published by the American Psychological Association in 2013
Anxiety symptoms (irrational worry; fear that something
terrible will happen) may accompany depression
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Diagnosed or
treated? 2
Avg
2 1
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Depression
impaired normal
life?
4
Avg
4 3
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Felt
extremely sad? 7
Avg
7 6
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Felt
hopeless? 5
Avg
6 5
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Felt overwhelming
anxiety? 6
Avg
7 5
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 10:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Felt very
lonely? 6
Avg
7 6
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 100:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Intentionally hurt oneself
(cutting, burning, bruising, etc.)? 8
Avg
8 5
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 100:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Seriously considered
suicide? 12
Avg
12 11
American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American
College Health Association; 2018.
Recent Studies
University Student Mental Health
?? out of 100:
Signs of Depression
(over past 12 months)
Attempted
suicide? 2
Avg
2 2
Depression is caused
by a depletion of
brain chemicals
(“monoamines”)
–Serotonin
–Dopamine
– Norepinephrine
Monoamine Hypothesis
Bear: Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 3rd ed.
Neurobiology of Depression
Bear: Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 3rd ed.
Neurobiology of Depression
Diathesis-Stress
Hypothesis
Diathesis:
Genetic or other
predisposition for
disease
Stress: Exposure
to intense or
chronic stress
Viewpoint
Prefrontal
Cortex
Limbic
System
Interpreting a
Stressor
Imbalanced
Viewpoint
Prefrontal
Cortex
Limbic
System
Interpreting a
Stressor
How Stress leads to Depression
Stress
Response
Stress
Hormones
Brain
Damage
Brain
chemicals
Negative
emotions
• Sadness
• Anger
• Guilt
• Despair
• Anxiety
3
4
Pre-conditioning
factorsStress
1
2
KNOW THE SIGNS
• behavioral or emotional change; someone who doesn't
seem like themselves
• withdrawal from others and/or favorite activities
• change in hygiene or appearance, not taking care of
oneself
• decline in academic performance
• alcohol or drug abuse
• excessive or inappropriate anger
• bizarre thoughts or behavior (e.g., out of touch with
reality, talking about suicide)
• others feel uncomfortable or worried about them
• decline in functioning (e.g., not attending class, not
sleeping or sleeping too much

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Stress and depression in College Students

  • 1. Stress and Depression in University Students Pamela Coburn-Litvak, Ph.D. www.leavingtheshadowland.com
  • 2. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health 140 schools 88,178 students2018
  • 3. What is Stress? Stress is our RESPONSE To Life’s Pressures
  • 4. Heart rate & blood pressure Breathing Blood clotting Stress Hormones Speeds up delivery of oxygen and nutrients Protects against blood loss due to injury • Increases alertness • Delivers energy • Enhances immune function STRESSOR
  • 5. Heart rate & blood pressure Breathing Blood clotting Stress Hormones Atherosclerosis – can lead to stroke Increased wear and tear on the heart & arteries – can lead to cardiovascular disease • Irritability, anxiety • Energy problems • Suppressed immune function • Mental distress Intensity & Duration STRESSOR
  • 6. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Main Stressors in University Students Avg Academics 50% 53% 42% Finances 36% 38% 29% Sleep difficulties 33% 36% 28% Family problems 31% 35% 21% Personal appearance 31% 35% 21% Romantic relationships 31% 33% 28% Career-related 29% 35% 25% Other relationships 29% 31% 23% Health issues 22% 24% 16% Death of family member/friend 17% 18% 13%
  • 7. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Stress (over past 12 months) Felt more than average stress? 5 Avg 5 4
  • 8. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Stress (over past 12 months) Felt exhausted (not physically)? 8 Avg 9 8
  • 9. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Stress (over past 12 months) Felt overwhelmed? 9 Avg 9 8
  • 10. What is Depression? Major Depressive Disorder* occurs when you have at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms daily for 2+ weeks: • A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning • Diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities • Significant weight loss or gain (more than 5% in a month) • Insomnia (lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) • Feeling restless, agitated or slowed down • Fatigue or loss of energy • Impaired concentration, indecisiveness • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death) *The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, published by the American Psychological Association in 2013 Anxiety symptoms (irrational worry; fear that something terrible will happen) may accompany depression
  • 11. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Diagnosed or treated? 2 Avg 2 1
  • 12. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Depression impaired normal life? 4 Avg 4 3
  • 13. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Felt extremely sad? 7 Avg 7 6
  • 14. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Felt hopeless? 5 Avg 6 5
  • 15. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Felt overwhelming anxiety? 6 Avg 7 5
  • 16. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 10: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Felt very lonely? 6 Avg 7 6
  • 17. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 100: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Intentionally hurt oneself (cutting, burning, bruising, etc.)? 8 Avg 8 5
  • 18. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 100: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Seriously considered suicide? 12 Avg 12 11
  • 19. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2018. Silver Spring, MD: American College Health Association; 2018. Recent Studies University Student Mental Health ?? out of 100: Signs of Depression (over past 12 months) Attempted suicide? 2 Avg 2 2
  • 20. Depression is caused by a depletion of brain chemicals (“monoamines”) –Serotonin –Dopamine – Norepinephrine Monoamine Hypothesis Bear: Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 3rd ed. Neurobiology of Depression
  • 21. Bear: Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 3rd ed. Neurobiology of Depression Diathesis-Stress Hypothesis Diathesis: Genetic or other predisposition for disease Stress: Exposure to intense or chronic stress
  • 24. How Stress leads to Depression Stress Response Stress Hormones Brain Damage Brain chemicals Negative emotions • Sadness • Anger • Guilt • Despair • Anxiety 3 4 Pre-conditioning factorsStress 1 2
  • 25. KNOW THE SIGNS • behavioral or emotional change; someone who doesn't seem like themselves • withdrawal from others and/or favorite activities • change in hygiene or appearance, not taking care of oneself • decline in academic performance • alcohol or drug abuse • excessive or inappropriate anger • bizarre thoughts or behavior (e.g., out of touch with reality, talking about suicide) • others feel uncomfortable or worried about them • decline in functioning (e.g., not attending class, not sleeping or sleeping too much