NEW YORK -- It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million college students have experienced depression on America's college campuses, while suicide, often a result of the most severe cases of depression, has climbed to become the third leading cause of death among college students. Alarming statistics such as these have prompted the launch of a national educational campaign titled, "Depression in College: Real World. Real Life. Real Issues," which begins a 10-city college seminar tour this month. The seminars are intended to reduce students' apprehension about discussing depression and help young adults understand that there is hope for overcoming depression and enjoying a full college experience.
Held in conjunction with the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), Screening for Mental Health, Inc., and college health professionals, the college tour is the latest addition to the GOAL! Go On And Live campaign, a program designed to help educate people about depression and recognize that the right treatment can assist them in overcoming depression, allowing them to rediscover the joys in their lives. The GOAL! campaign is sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
"Depression, like other mental health problems, is real, common and treatable across all ages and backgrounds," says Michael Faenza, MSSW, president and CEO of the National Mental Health Association. "Students and their families need to know what resources and supports are available on campus and in the community."
The Real World Chicago star Cara Kahn, a recent college graduate and an example of a young adult who has overcome depression herself, will be the keynote speaker at "Depression in College: Real World. Real Life. Real Issues." seminars. Additionally, a representative from the local Mental Health Association and a local mental health expert will be at each seminar to speak about the signs and symptoms of depression, treatment goals, and resources for help. Seminar participants will also have access to free depression screenings.
"When I was on The Real World, my housemates and I talked a little about my battle with depression, but it was clear that they had a lot of misconceptions about the condition and options to treat it," said Cara. "I am participating in the GOAL! college tour because I want to help eliminate the stigma surrounding depression and show that, with the right treatment and support, fully enjoying life and college beyond depression is possible."
Depression affects approximately 19 million Americans each year and interferes with the ability to work, sleep, eat, study, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Symptoms may include a persistent sad or anxious mood; feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or irritability; loss of interest in nearly all activities; low energy; trouble focusing, concentrating, or making decisions; difficulty connecting with friends and family; and, in severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide. Left untreated, depression can have a major impact on a student's academics and his or her social life. The good news is, with the appropriate combination of "talk" therapy and medication, and the support of friends and family, young adults can address and resolve nearly all of the symptoms of depression and fully enjoy life once again. Through several initiatives launched throughout the year, GOAL! seeks to reach people where depression impacts them the most -- in the home, at work, in their relationships, in universities, and in communities. GOAL! Go On And Live was launched in April with Delta Burke, two-time Emmy Award nominated actress who has struggled with depression for almost 30 years.
The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.
Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (formerly the National Mental Illness Screening Project) is a non-profit organization developed to coordinate nationwide mental health screening programs and to ensure cooperation, professionalism, and accountability in mental illness screenings. Screening for Mental Health was inspired by the success of NDSD, the community outreach and education program created in , with the support of the American Psychiatric Association.
Source: PRNewswire
