Depression is a common mental health challenge among college students. It's debilitating and has a detrimental impact on psychological, emotional, and academic health.

Various research across the globe has shown that the prevalence of depression among students in universities and colleges is higher than among the same age group of individuals in different settings. Although it affects students across the world, students from developing countries are more prone to it. Studies show that in approximately every 5 students, 1student suffered from anxiety or depression. The most common causes that cut across most students are explained below.

1INTERNET ADDICTION

College life and technology cannot be separated because the two go hand-in-hand. Technology is highly used at this level to teach and for communication. Technology is also used for socialization and networking outside the education spectrum, within and outside universities. These are young adults who compete literally for everything. For academic performance, social media presence, appearance both physically and virtually, and even financially.

The inability to fit into this setup class, pressures one to reach the set standards which may lead to isolation and feelings of loneliness. There is always a war between being immersed in virtual life and living the real physical life. Excess and addictive trends in electronic devices especially mobile phones largely strain real relationships with parents and colleagues.

Continuous and persistent exposure to light from electronic devices causes poor sleeping patterns. Research shows that most college students sleep late while using their phones. This leads to more nighttime wake-ups and difficulty in going back to sleep. The poorer the quality of sleep, the higher the chances of depression and anxiety.

2FINANCES

Anyone who went to college can vividly narrate how the management of finances put a toll on their college days. Studies show that students from poor financial backgrounds and those from developing countries are at a higher risk of depression.

Finances determine the quality of life you will live as a student. At that age, and in college, dressing up, affording quality living quarters, trendy electronics, and taking your girlfriend out is of uttermost importance to students. All that demand a lot of finances that students do not have. This primarily affects their mental and emotional states. They feel left out, disappointed, hurt, and embarrassed.

Finances contribute to students eating patterns. A proper and well-balanced diet will require a certain amount of money. The students end up succumbing to poor eating habits like skipping meals, and majoring in unbalanced diets, for example, diets consisting only of vegetables ie salads, or junk food. This puts stress on the body because the energy levels drop, recurrent illnesses, and lack of sleep among others.

3BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships are a part of college life. This is a stage, a bridge from adolescence to adulthood. At this stage, there are a lot of expectations from everyone. Parents, friends, colleagues, professors, and even partners. All these relationships are at a high risk of breaking if these expectations are not met.

Most college students may suffer broken relationships especially romantic relationships due to different reasons including finances and distance. Students with a history of neglect, divorced parents, or abuse are more vulnerable to depression as they feel they have been left out again and are not wanted.

They also suffer a strain in their relationships with their parents and guardians because of the sudden distance between them. From an always-their relationship to a never-there relationship is a massive change that will put a toll on their emotions and psychological health.

Relationships with their circle of friends also contribute to their mental health. Healthy relationships guarantee a healthy mental state and unhealthy relationships lead to de-stress. Feelings of not being good enough, insecurities, isolation, and loneliness cause anxiety and depression.

4SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Depression is common among individuals who indulge in drug and substance abuse. Substance abuse can trigger or intensify feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, and loneliness which are often associated with depression.

Peer pressure and other pressures among college students are the main propellants for substance abuse. Most students end up addicted to drugs simply because they did not want to feel left out. Other students indulge in substance abuse as a coping mechanism for their daily troubles like finances. For example, dealing drugs to earn money.

Substance abuse affects sleeping patterns, hygiene, health, education ie coursework, and assignments. A lack of balance among all these aspects of a student's life may cause anxiety and depression due to distress and increased stress levels. Research shows that drug and substance abuse can cause mental developmental disorders ie anxiety, mood disorders, and impulse control disorders.

5ACADEMIC WORKLOAD

Depression can be triggered by any complicated phase in your life. Most college students succumb to depression due to highly demanding and tough coursework. Other social pressures do not make it easy. The many variables that have, in the long run, an impact on the academic performance of students like class attendance, assignments, and exams cause emotional and psychological burdens.

Academic workload especially with a lack of social and extracurricular activities like sports is a risk factor for stress and depression. Most students end up being victims of abuse by their parents and professors due to their poor academic performances. Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem may shove one into depression.

Research suggests that mental problems can affect students' levels of concentration, mental abilities, and optimistic attitudes which directly affect academic performance. Involvement in an active social life whilst balancing it with your academic life promotes a healthy mind.

6UNCERTAINTIES ABOUT THE FUTURE, CAREER BASE

Students generally set up a career footing after graduation. They battle to secure financial freedom for their future. The amplitude of stress caused by the need to succeed, comparisons, and peers, propels young minds into depression. Research has shown that more males are prone to depression due to financial pressures and the need to establish their careers than their female counterparts. This could be a result of societal expectations. Males are naturally expected to be the breadwinners and this puts a lot of pressure on them. Difficulty in securing internships and jobs after graduation is a big factor for students. Pressure to pay student loans, support yourself after school and help your family is too much to bear.

7FAMILY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Depression often stems from a complex interaction of social, biological, and psychological factors. A likelihood of individuals with a history of traumatic life events for example death of a loved one, or divorce are at a higher risk of depression.

Students with the such background when faced with other complications that come with college life are more likely to recede into depression. In most instances, their self-esteem is highly affected, they generally lack self-identity or have a fragile state of mind. A family history of depression is a factor beyond anyone's control. Genetics is one of the most influential factors.

Individuals under the same circumstances ie experienced traumatic experiences, respond differently due to genetic coding. Research shows that different types of depression like bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression may involve different genes.

Depression is a common cause of morbidity but its prevalence among University and college students is highly underestimated. There is a need for better awareness of this pandemic among this population. Adequate and appropriate interventions are essential at the university and college levels, at home, and in individual countries.