Abstract

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression among college students is particularly prevalent. A significant amount of research supports the concern that many college students are depressed. Since the 1980s, case studies have also suggested that depression in college students has been an increasing problem. This research study finds that depression is a growing issue in college level students over the age of eighteen. The hypothesis for this study was that college students are significantly more depressed and are also more discouraged about their lives and the future than in years past. The research was conducted using a self-appointed survey and selected questions from Becks Depression Inventory. The participants (n=20), consisting of females (n=17) and males (n=3) over the age of 18, were asked to fill out the survey to the best of their knowledge and their perspective. Both female and male participants ranged in age from 18-45. The results suggested that 60.0% of the participants felt sad, which supports the first hypothesis. However, the hypothesis of students being discouraged about their futures was not supported, with only 40.0% being discouraged. This research proposes that additional focus needs to be put towards college students and their mental health.