“I found myself not wanting to get out of bed and crying for no reason. Social situations became really hard because I seemed to be rapidly losing all my confidence.”

Kingston art student Sarah Clegg* is just one of the 127,000 young people in this country who has suffered from depression and suicidal feelings.

Homesickness, terrifying workloads, adjusting to new surroundings, money worries, stress about making new friends and leaving home for the first time, can combine to un-nerve even the most chilled of students. Indeed, the most recent NUS Student Living Report found that more than half of students felt that their stress levels had increased since they started university.

Excess stress can lead to a depressive episode, which is usually short-lived although extremely upsetting. But without proper attention, mood or stress problems can intensify and fairly normal feelings can escalate into full-blown depression or mood disorders.

Sarah began experiencing depressive episodes in her second year at university. As in many cases, hers started with general worries about money and workload, but quickly snowballed.

Worryingly, young peoples' suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS reports that three quarters of student suicides occur at transitional times of the academic year - in particular the beginning or end of terms or vacations, and the period between graduation and entering the job market.

The suicide rate among students is no higher than among the general population – which is around 600-800 cases in the 16-24 age group per year - but this pattern of high stress at transitional times is unique to students.

A PAPYRUS study found that relationship worries and heavy alcohol and drug use often increase student depression. Sarah can relate to this: “I was in a relationship when my problems started. If I'm honest I wasn't happy but I was determined to make it work, even though I knew it was futile. I started using ecstasy and drinking heavily when I went out. It seemed to make things more bearable at the time but the next morning I'd feel desperately low.”

Thankfully, suicide is uncommon, but that doesn't mean that there aren't large numbers of students who experience mild depression, attempt suicide or self-harm, or are affected by the mental health of a friend or housemate. Even if you're not suffering yourself, trying to cope with a friend's problems can be extremely upsetting and frustrating, particularly if they are unwilling to confide in you.

PAPYRUS recognise how hard this situation can be, and offer a set of guidelines and a helpline for those worried about their friends. They say that missing large amounts of classes, staying in bed all day, not looking after themselves and overdoing drugs and alcohol can all be symptoms that a friend isn't coping.

While PAPYRUS suggests that anyone who is depressed should talk to someone who can help, like a parent, counsellor or GP, there can be a certain amount of stigma attached to talking to a professional about your problems, especially among young men.

Sarah agrees: “I thought I should just tough it out, that all young people went through phases like this and that my GP would tell me exactly the same thing if I went to see her.”

At Kingston University students who are worried about themselves or a friend can use a free, confidential counselling service. Health adviser Coral Brazier, from the University’s Health and Counselling Service, said: “Counselling offers the student a respectful, non judgemental and confidential space to explore their thoughts and feelings and aims to help enable them to make beneficial decisions for their lives.”
 
The University is also running a three-week stress management course from November 12. Stress can be a major cause of depression, so going on the course can be a way of nipping any potential problems in the bud.

Ms Brazier says, “The sessions give students coping mechanisms so that they can manage their stress levels. They will learn simple relaxation techniques as well as how to develop time management skills. The course also helps students to combat and change negative thoughts and offers advice on exam techniques.”

The next stress-management course begins on Wed 3 December 2008 from 3.30pm – 5.00pm at Health and Counselling, Penrhyn Road. To arrange a place on the course, students can call Matthew Williams on 0208 417 2171 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

PAPYRUS HopeLine: 0870 170 4000.

Students Against Depression: www.studentdepression.org

* Name has been changed.