Social Anxiety Disorder Among Incoming College Students

1511 Words4 Pages

Social Anxiety Disorder Among Incoming College Students When you are a senior in high school, you are the "top dog". You have finally made it to the point where you now are on top of the food chain. The underclassman, freshmen, sophomores and juniors, look up to you. However, you soon will be leaving. Graduation rears itself around the corner and before you know it, June is here and you are walking across the stage to receive your diploma. You look out at the crowd and see Mom and Dad; they are so proud of you. For the remainder of the summer, you spend the last few months with your friends. Soon, you will be parting and heading off to college. The transition from high school to college is an easy bridge for some to cross. However, for some, it is more like a tight rope. "Depression rates among college students appear to be increasing,"(Todd and McKibben). These students are experiencing depression based on many factors, most notably stress and perfectionism. Accordingly, they are experiencing what is known as Social Anxiety Disorder, referred to as SAD. SAD is a mental disorder in which the individual becomes removed from society. There are two levels of depression that should be mentioned. Depressions itself is not as cut and dry as some may believe. The two levels that college students are experiencing are Dysthymic and Major Depression. Dysthymic depression can best be described as having "moderate or chronic depression; is a long term mood disorder"(Todd and MvKibban). "According to McMahon et al., about 12% of the population will suffer from Dysthymic depression in any given year. Thus, it is often referred to as the common cold of mental health,"(Todd and McKibban). If an in... ... middle of paper ... ...eds to be addressed immediately. Depression has been linked to suicidal tendencies and research has proven that. The purpose of this paper is to address the way that college students are feeling. Granted, not every student suffers from depression, but they might not even know they do until they look at the signs. Intervention is key. The problem needs to be addressed and dealt with. Once that happens, the student will be on his/her way to recovery and a good life. Works Cited Rosenman, Elizabeth M. "Does Your Child Push Himself Too Hard?" Family Life September 2000: Page 101 McKIbban, Amie R. and Chadra Todd. "Depression: Attributing Factors on the Lives of College Students." http://www.emporia.edu.com.htm Franklin, Donald. "Major Depression and Dysthymic Depression." http://www.psychologyinfo.com

More about Social Anxiety Disorder Among Incoming College Students

Open Document