CAUSES OF DEPRESSION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

 

 

 There are many causes of depression. The four main aspects of the causes of depression are, biological, social aspects, cognition, and conditioning. Some symptoms of depression as described by the National institute for mental health are; “persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings, feelings of hopelessness and/ pessimism, feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex, fatigue and decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions, insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping, overeating, or loss of apatite, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.” 

 

 Biological Perspective

 

The biological causes of depression vary from person to person. These variations can include; heredity, hormone and chemical imbalances, health situations along with outside influences and other various factors. Neurotransmitters play a very important role in the regulation of mood and emotions. As stated in Smith and Jaffe’s article, “lower levels of three neurotransmitters-serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine have been found in people suffering from depression, although not all people suffering from depression have these decreased levels.” This is the “chemical imbalance theory. Also, as stated in Weitens book, the degeneration of these neurotransmitters “ apparently causes Parkinsonism disease marked by tremors, muscular rigidity, and reduced control over voluntary movements.(Weiten, 2004)  Identical Twin studies cited in this same article have showed there is “moderate” genetic contribution to depression. “ Genetics appears to play a bigger role in severe, recurrent depression.” (Smith and Jaffe, 2008) Health problems that cause a big change in normal life can also cause depression such as an amputation or terminal illness.  Unhealthy lifestyles can lead to depression such as unhealthy eating, not enough exercise and substance abuse.

 

 Learning Perspective

 

 

                 The learning perspective is basically the effects and role of environment on depression (Learning Perspective). There are two major views of the learning perspective. The first view is the traditional learning theory and the second view is the social learning theory (Learning Perspective). The traditional learning theory is based on behavior modifications through classical conditioning and operant conditioning (Learning Perspective). The social learning theory focuses on one, the relationship between cognition, behavior and environment, and two, learning through observation (Learning Perspective).

                The learning perspective can apply to depression in several ways. For example, if one was to live with parents that are always depressed then this person would eventually learn to be depressed. Also environment plays a major factor in depression.  Environmental factors that affect our mental health are chemicals in our foods, noise pollution, electrical pollution, death of a loved one, and natural disasters (Rashmi Nemade, 2007). Childhood abuse, prolonged stress ant home or work, and conflict with loved ones are also considered environmental factors (Rashmi Nemade, 2007). Lifestyle factors that can affect depression include abusing drugs and alcohol, overwork, poor diet, lack of exercise, and poor sleep (Rashmi Nemade, 2007).

 

Cognitive Perspective

 

                Cognitive depression is very simply. It is quite literally all in one’s head. Cognitive depression is when one is depressed because of their thoughts. For example, is one thinks about depressing things then they will in turn be depressed. If you think that you cannot do anything right or will always fail then you will fail. Depression is the same way. If someone were to think depressing thoughts then they are not going to get better. Kathleen McGowan, in her article “Second Nature”, states that “pessimists are skeptical that their own actions can lead to good results and tend to overlook positive outcomes when they do occur” (McGowan, 2008). In other words, a pessimistic person who does not believe in themselves or their actions is more likely to fail than someone that is optimistic. Also a pessimistic person is more likely to be depressed because they feel that they cannot do anything right. If you are always scrutinizing yourself then it is harder to be successful or confident. You are always setting yourself up for failure if you are unconfident in yourself.

 

                According to the textbook, Psychology: Themes and Variations, depression is learned. Martin Seligman describes depression as learned helplessness. Seligman explains that, “the roots of depression lie in the how people explain the setbacks and other negative events that they experience.” (Weiten, 2008) Seligman adds that “people that exhibit a pessimistic explanatory style are especially vulnerable to depression.” (Weiten, 2008) These types of people, according to Seligman, tend to blame themselves for mistakes rather than blame the situation (Weiten, 2008). Putting more stress on them, in turn causing more depression. A person with learned helplessness cannot find any good in what they do because they are always blaming themselves.

 

                In concurrence with Seligman’s line of thinking, Susan Nolen-Hoeksema has discovered that people who “ruminate” about depression will be depressed for a longer period of time that someone that does not ruminate (Weiten, 2008). People that ruminate feel bad for themselves and stress on their depression, making it harder for them to get through the hard times that comes with depression. For example, if someone is depressed and they are ruminating, then they may just stay home and listen to sad music, or just sulk on their bed. The key to getting over the depression is to find something that makes you happy and go out and do it.

 

 Social Psychology Perspective

 

Social causes of depression include the family, socialization, gender, and social support networks. In a person’s family, has a lot of weight on a depressed person. Depressed spouses and parents can have a very large impact on their family members, leaving them to look for affection they cannot find in their depressed family member. Children will often blame themselves for their parent’s divorce, which could cause depression (Beattie, 2008). Socialization is crucial in a health attitude. People, who have depression often times score low in socializing, close relationships, and family activities (Beattie, 2008). People unable to deal with “drama” are more likely to exhibit signs of depression, also people who face more social pressures will be more likely to become depressed (Beattie, 2008). Parents tend to push their daughters less at academics due to culture and therefore intelligent women who do not fulfill their dreams exhibit higher levels of depression than men (Beattie, 2008). Individuals with a strong social support group can deal better with major stresses in life as compare to people with little or no support group such as friends and family (Beattie, 2008).  

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 

Depression is very serious topic. There are many ways to avoid and protect against depression. Here are a few steps to try and help avoid and relieve depression (Factsheet: Depression in College, 2007):

·         Carefully plan your day. This is important because it not only relieves stress but, takes the “guess work” out of what to do next. This especially helps when there are a lot of things to do during one day. Planning your day also gives you a sense of control over your life (Factsheet: Depression in College, 2007).

·         Plan your work and sleep schedules. Getting enough sleep in important. Seven to Eight hours is important to well being (Factsheet: Depression in College, 2007).

 

·         Participate in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities provide you with something to do as well as a chance to meet new people. Also activities distract the mind from problems that might exist.

 

·         Seek Support from other people. Talking to others about problems is very important. Often times talking about a situation relieves stress.

 

·         Try relaxation methods. Exercising, reading, and sports are great ways to relieve stress.

 

·         Take time for yourself.

 

·         Work towards recovery.  Seeking out treatment is very important. Visiting a professional can help relieve depression.

 

These are just a few suggestions on how to deal with or avoid depression. Often times it is important to find whatever you like and just go out and do it. For example, if you like sports then try playing sports or watching them on TV. Just getting your mind off of the depressing thoughts, even for an hour, will help with mental well being.

 

 

Works Cited

 

McGowan, K. (2008, March/April). Second Nature. Psychology Today .

Weiten, W. (2008). Psychology: Themes and Variations, Briefer Edition. Manson: Thompson.

 

Weiten, W. (2004). Psychology Themes and Variations (6th ed.). Las Vegas: Wadsworth.

 

Learning Perspective. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2008, from Developmental Psychology Student Newsletter: http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d46/psy/dev/Fall98/Theories/Learn.html

 

Rashmi Nemade, P. N. (2007, 20 July). Depression: Major Depression & Unipolar Varieties. Retrieved May 8, 2008, from Lifestyle Factors and Environmental Causes of Major Depression: http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=13012&cn=5

 

Smith, M. & Jaffe Ph.D., J. Causes of Depression: Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors. helpguide.org. Retrieved April 17, 2008, from

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/causes_depression.htm

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression? NIH.gov. Retrieved May 6,2008 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/symptoms.shtml 

 

Beatie, Social Causes Of Depression. pearsonalityreaserch.org. Retrieved May 8, 2008 from http://www.pearsonalityreaserch.org/papers/beattie.html

 

 

Factsheet: Depression in College. (2007, February 1). Retrieved May 8, 2008, from Mental Health America: http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/depression/depression-in-college

 

 

 

 

Group members

 

Travis Southworth

Jason Torre

Josh Ward

Jennifer McCray