Pepperdine is often recognized for its friendly community and laidback beach atmosphere, but this sunny exterior may often mask the feelings of depression and loneliness that plague college students.
Nearly 30 percent of college students (at 2- and 4-year universities) reported feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function” at some time in the past year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, unfortunately, these statistics only factor in the students who have begun to recognize the signs.
On a campus so filled with natural beauty, friendly people and stimulating activities, it may be difficult for some to understand how anyone could be experiencing depression in such an environment. However, the truth is that depression can affect anyone. The NIMH explains that depression does not have a single cause but almost always occurs when our serotonin is lowered due to stress—something not so foreign among college students.
It is also worth noting that the university’s unique cultural climate may harbor insecurities for students who do not fit the typical Pepperdine mold. This includes those who are non-Christian, the LGBTQ and transfer or international students. Students who feel unable to connect to the community are more likely to feel isolated and may be more prone to feelings of depression.
Ironically, Pepperdine’s upbeat environment can also stifle students who are going through depression by pressuring them to feign happiness. The number of unhappy students is often understated because not everyone shows their true emotional state or admits that they are lonely.
Because the face of depression at Pepperdine can be veiled, the student body should take the necessary steps toward guarding against it in a way that caters to the unique needs of our community. First, we must recognize and accept the existence of this darker side of student life. We must confront the fact that not everyone at Pepperdine is as happy as they appear, and maybe in doing so, we can deter depressed students from burying their feelings out of shame. By fostering a community that encourages honest communication and accepts negative feelings as a normal part of the human experience rather than a sign of weakness, we can encourage those struggling to reach out.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, symptoms of a depressive episode include feelings of sadness, lack of interest in most activities, significant decreae or increase in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and observable psychomoter slowness.
We encourage students to look out for each other and offer support where it is needed. If you notice someone displaying signs of depression, act out of empathy and lend an ear. If they need help beyond simply an attentive friend, encourage them to seek help by contacting the Counseling Center.
Revving up for the new year may seem like a daunting task for some. But trying to stay active in the Pepperdine community may give you the necessary push you need to kick start that serotonin. The best way to combat ill feelings on campus is to realize that students do struggle, and they are not alone in the battle against the blues. It’s important for us to recognize that not everyone has an endless supply of happiness at Pepperdine, despite the friendly community and the ocean view. Life’s stressors can get anyone down, particularly those of us in college.
If you’re feeling lonely, or depressed it’s important to seek help. With the encouragement of friends and family, you can feel better. Psychology Central reports that 80 to 90 percent of people seeking the necessary health treatment are able to function the way that they once did, which is encouraging to those of us skeptical of therapists. We should encourage people not to be ashamed about their loneliness and keep an open heart and mind to those who struggle. With better understanding of depression, we can begin to understand and help those who are hurting.
