How can I recognize college depression?

Many college students occasionally feel sad or anxious. These emotions usually pass within a few days. But depression affects how a person feels, thinks and behaves and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Signs and symptoms that a student might be experiencing depression during college include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Irritability, frustration and even angry outbursts, out of proportion to the situation
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as hobbies or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
• Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
• Negative changes in academic performance
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures, or blaming yourself for things that aren't your responsibility
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide

If you think your child is suicidal, encourage him or her to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The hotline operates 24 hours a day, every day. Loved ones can call to learn how to help.