Solution Project

College Depression-- Mental Health and Schoolwork

Kylie Tario

Throughout the past three years, mental health has been on a decline. In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death among ages 10-34. Students who suffer with mental illnesses such as depression tend to struggle with their academic achievements. Studies show that the mental health of U.S. citizens started dropping exponentially right before the pandemic and continued to drop. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, more students are suffering mental health problems. With having to stay indoors, isolated from the world, there had been a lack of social experience. 

Cognitive Effects of Depression

Depression has a large effect on the brain. One system of the brain, known as the hippocampus system, is involved with functions such as long-term memory and processing memories. When under stress, the hippocampus releases a hormone known as Cortisol. When the brain is overloaded with cortisol for long periods of time it slows and stops the production of new neurons in the brain and can shrink the hippocampus. As a result of this, a person will begin to suffer memory problems. This increase in Cortisol also enlarges the amygdala. The amygdala is the group of cells located at the base of the brain. It is responsible for processing emotions and when enlarged, it can affect hormones, sleep patterns, and overall activity. Additionally, brain inflammation has been scientifically linked to depression. Although it is unknown whether it is a result of depression or causes it, brain

inflammation is shown to worsen depression because it interferes with the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and memory (Ellis, Mary 2019). Lastly, the hippocampus, dorsolateral caudate nucleus and the reticular nucleus of thalamus memories can suffer from Hypoxia/ lack of oxygen. As stated previously the hippocampus oversees the memories within the brain. The Dorsolateral Caudate Nucleus is the part of the brain responsible for motor functions. The reticular nucleus of thalamus is a part of the brain that relays the motor and sensory functions in the brain. When these three parts lack oxygen, it adversely affects the brain and can inflame, injure, and cause death to brain cells which impact learning, memory, and mood (Bacher, Alexander 2019).  

What Can Colleges do?

Students who suffer from depression tend to have a lack of motivation and confidence in the work they complete. It's a daily struggle for them to attend their classes and keep up to date with homework assignments and class meets. It can grow increasingly difficult when students participate in their college studies online since it is not a Face-to-face teaching method. Understanding the work that is being taught to them becomes a larger battle with these factors. Unfortunately, a lot of students who suffer with depression either reach out too late or reach out at a time that is inconvenient for their studies causing them to have to retake a

semester or year of college. Getting caught up in classes is near impossible for many of those who suffer with this disorder. Colleges should focus their attention on students who need psychological assistance. They should be more lenient with the late work policy and not question whether a student deserves an extension on the homework due date. While it is understandable that some students use no late work to their advantage there has to be some way to work around these issues and come to a conclusion and resolve this ongoing problem.

Works Cited

“College Students Struggle with Mental Health as Pandemic Drags On.” Washington Post, www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/10/14/college-suicide-mental-health-unc/.

‌ Depression and College Students Answers to College Students’ Frequently Asked Questions about Depression.

‌ “College Depression: What Parents Need to Know.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/college-depression/art.

‌ Burrell, Jackie. “College and Teen Suicide Statistics.” Verywell Mind, Verywellmind, 16 Mar. 2010, www.verywellmind.com/college-and-teen-suicide-statistics-3570768.

Huberty, Thomas. “Depression: Supporting Student at School.” Bing, Microsoft, https://www.bing.com/search?q=how%2Bdepression%2Baffects%2Bschool%2Bperformance&qs=NM&pq=depression%2Band%2Bschool%2Bperformance&sk=UT1NM1&sc=6-33&cvid=90C102C2695C4068AB24F71B32086F7D&FORM=QBRE&sp=3&lq=0.

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