New classes stressing you out? Wistful about leaving sunny vacation spots for a snow-covered campus? You're not alone. According to Caroline Moriarty, a staff clinician at Tufts Counseling Services, many students are suffering from insecurities about leaving home, eating disorders, learning disabilities, relationship and sexual problems, and academic anxiety - all common causes of depression among college students.
Many less common problems are also surfacing this year, many stemming from fears related to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Traffic at college counseling centers in New York City is up 20 percent as a combined result of college-related stress and the recent terrorist attacks, according to the International Association of Counseling Services.
The increase has been less pronounced at Tufts, but counselors say that students here are far from immune to 9/11-related concerns. "It's obvious that recent world events have affected the students here," Moriarty said, adding that many students are still very concerned about the implications of the terrorist attacks.
"It was really good to be with my family over the winter break, especially after Sept. 11," said one male senior. "I wouldn't call it depression, but I was certainly happier and felt more secure at home."
For some, the constant activity and pressure of college can impose stress and sadness. The onset of classes and the return to hectic dorm life are common causes of depression among some students.
"I've never felt so grateful to be home as I did this past winter break because there I had family and friends who genuinely cared about me, people who were sincerely interested in my welfare," said one female freshman. "Unfortunately, that's not a feeling I always have when I'm at school."
The student, who wished to remain anonymous, added that while she does not attend counseling, she could benefit from a few sessions. And despite having been through it before, upperclassmen are not exempt from feelings of emptiness and regret upon returning to Tufts.
"Coming back from a month off always leaves me depressed," said one male junior. "There's no time to breathe - right away, we have to pay for expensive books and go to lectures. This morning I couldn't get up, I just slept through both my classes. I just don't want to deal with it."
Tragedies like that of Michigan University sophomore Candy Wei, who suffocated herself last January, might have been avoided had there been more mental health treatment and counseling resources available. Frightening stories such as this one have left many universities scrambling to prevent a similar disaster. Tufts seems to be successfully managing its load of demand for counselors, at least for now.
Like other universities nationwide, Tufts offers health services to combat mental, emotional, and physical health problems. Full-time undergraduate and graduate students covered by the comprehensive health fee can get help at health services on Professors Row and the counseling center at 120 Curtis Street. The health plans accepted by Tufts also cover the cost of off-campus referrals.
Usually, students schedule their own appointments at the two centers, although class deans and professors occasionally recommend that a student attend counseling.
After an appointment is made, a student will usually attend two preliminary consultations in order to determine what kind of aid he or she needs. Since only psychiatrists employed by Health Services can prescribe medication, some students are directly referred there. Often, Health Services and the Counseling Center work in tandem, with a student meeting with psychologists, social workers, or graduate-level interns while simultaneously taking medication prescribed by a psychiatrist.
In situations where a student needs long-term counseling and therapy, it may be recommended that he or she meet with an off-campus therapist. Students identified as depressed are encouraged to attend a 12-session confidential therapy program tailored to their needs.
Counselors are on call 24 hours a day, and students can reach them after hours by calling the Tufts Police. No questions are asked of the caller other than a phone number where the student can be reached.
