January 2006

Up for discussion: Help available for depression

UC Davis offers resources for dealing with depression, including peer and professional counseling. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

College — it can be the best of times for many students, but also the worst for a growing number who experience some type of depression during those years. A new living environment, greater financial responsibilities, changes in social life and more demanding academics are all stressors that can overwhelm college students and contribute to depression.

But students should know that they do not have to suffer in silence, says Emil Rodolfa, a licensed psychologist and director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at UC Davis. Several programs exist at UC Davis to help students cope with depression, whether they need counseling or a combination of counseling and medication.

For students needing help, Rodolfa encourages them to talk with friends or family and recommends that they use the university's resources including The House, a confidential peer counseling program; their academic adviser; the Cowell Student Health Center; or CAPS.

Men more reluctant to seek help

According to the National Mental Health Association, about 10 percent of college students are diagnosed with depression, but Rodolfa says the number of students who experience an episode of depression at some point during their academic career may be closer to 40 percent. And the percentage may, in fact, be even higher due to the number of students who do not seek help, particularly male students.

During his 18 years at UC Davis, Rodolfa has observed that men and women handle depression differently. While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, he says, women tend to seek help sooner and are much more willing to express their feelings with friends. It is more difficult for men to do the same, so it takes longer for them to seek help, at which point the problem typically has magnified.

How parents can help

Parents can help by checking in with their student. Ask how your student is doing, find out about other aspects of life outside of school, and inquire about eating and sleep patterns. Understanding your student's view of the world and knowing how a student feels about himself or herself and the future can also be helpful in determining whether he or she is depressed, Rodolfa says. Provide your student support, keep the lines of communication open, and refer him or her to campus resources.

Rodolfa emphasizes that CAPS is a resource for parents as well. Those with concerns can call the campus service at (530) 752-0870 and then press "0" to ask to speak with a staff psychologist or Rodolfa himself.

"The bottom line is to encourage students to use the campus resources and know that we are available to help your children develop better coping skills," Rodolfa says.

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