A new poll found that 4 out of 10 college students were depressed and felt hopeless. Pressure about grades, loans, relationships and work are found to be some of the reasons. 2,240 students from 40 colleges were studied and 42 percent had felt depressed in the past 2 weeks. 13 percent even had signs of mild depression.

Of these, 11 percent had thoughts of suicide and of hurting themselves. Most colleges have counselors who will help students with mental disorders but the stigma associated with it keeps the students away from it.

Nine percent were at a risk of developing mild or severe depression. 13 to 5 percent students whose parents had lost their jobs had considered ending their lives. More than half of those who had contemplated suicide had not received any counseling or treatment.

A professor in psychology said that college is a sensitive time developmentally as youngsters are choosing careers, moving towards financial independence, having long- term independence and maybe even marrying. These times can be trying and counseling can help a lot. The surprising fact that came out from the study was that most students didn’t get help and some didn’t even know about it.

Most students, when asked who they would turn to when they felt depressed said they would talk to friends or family. Only 20 percent said they would try school counseling. This shows that it is up to friends and family to guide the depressed college students towards professional help if needed.

Almost 10 percent of the American population suffers from depression. Some medical conditions like thyroid can also show depression- like symptoms and when that is ruled out, psychological evaluation should be done. The average onset aged is found to be 30.

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