Thirty percent of college students will battle depression

Shelbi Ware
Staff Writer

According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), many people experience the first symptoms of depression during their college years.

Students at Jackson State University are fortunate because they have resources available on campus to help with this issue.

One of these resources is the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling.   The center is committed to working with Jackson State students experiencing certain adjustment challenges as they matriculate through their academic program and college.

“The Latasha Norman Center encourages students to call and schedule an appointment at 601-979-0374 or feel free to self report to Suite 2102 at his/her discretion.  Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.  If students are experiencing severe depression (e.g. a persistent loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities or the inability to function normally), immediate emergency room medical attention is suggested,” said Laquita Sims, LNC Marketing/Outreach Specialist.

Depression is a medical illness and more than just feeling sad. According to NIMH, 30 percent of college students reported feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function”.  Symptoms of depression include intense feelings of sadness feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory, insomnia or oversleeping, appetite changes, fatigue, lack of energy, and thoughts of suicide or death.

What students need to know is that this illness is treatable and admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness.

“I have experienced depression while attending Jackson State. I talked to a member of the psychology department and prayed and eventually, I came out of it,” said Leakeia Thurman, a senior English major from Greenwood, Miss. “I encourage any student dealing with depression to seek help.”

Tanesha Johnson, a freshman elementary education major from Coffeeville, Miss. has also experienced depression.

“Depression hurts. When my house burned down, I started into an uncontrollable cycle of depression. I went to prayer to help me heal and overcome depression. I encourage everyone who is battling depression to seek help,” said Johnson.

Counseling, campus ministry and the University Health Center are a few key sources to seek at Jackson State.

If you or someone you know is battling depression, contact the Latasha Norman Center or another resource immediately.

Remember, depression is treatable, so seek help!