By Tyler R. Pedersen, Ph.D.

Last week, the BYU Counseling and Career Center, along with several hundred other university counseling centers across the country, participated in National Depression Screening Day. This event is designed to increase awareness of depression and other mental illnesses in communities and on college campuses.

Due to several excellent articles in The Daily Universe, advertising, and word of mouth, the screening day was a major success. More than two hundred students completed the screening and were able to meet individually with a counselor. Many of these students were experiencing symptoms of depression, some severe, and were able to connect with resources on campus which may benefit them.

Although a stroll across campus during the 11 a.m. class break quickly reveals that BYU students tend to be an optimistic, cheerful and upbeat group, this does not mean that we as a campus community are free from suffering, difficulties and struggles that surpass our abilities to cope. Some of our students battle depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or have past histories of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

Others may struggle with addictions, same-sex attraction, marital or family problems, or may be contemplating taking their own life. Despite these realities, I often hear students who are depressed, anxious or simply overwhelmed remark how they feel isolated with such problems — “Am I the only one who feels this way around here?” or “If others seem so happy, then why can’t I be?” Such comments reinforce the idea that somehow students at BYU should be above this or do not deal with such issues.

We know, however, that today’s college students tend to be at particular risk for such difficulties, and BYU students are no exception. According to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, young adult’s suicide rates have tripled since 1952. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college-aged adults, surpassing cancer, heart disease, AIDS and many other diseases combined. In addition, students who often appear self-assured, confident, and extremely successful on the outside may be struggling, unbeknownst to us, on the inside. For example, less than 10 days ago, a University of Pennsylvania football player, who two days earlier had played one of the best games of his career, committed suicide.

Fortunately, the Board of Trustees and university administrators recognize these concerns and have devoted substantial resources to help. Despite our attempts to inform students of these services, many students remain unaware that the university provides a wide range of treatment and support, most at no cost. The Counseling and Career Center (1500 WSC, 422-3035) provides confidential counseling services. Topics and issues discussed are not disclosed to parents, professors, roommates, bishops or the Honor Code Office.

These services have been put in place to serve students and help them achieve their individual and eternal potential. We hope our students continue to enjoy wonderful, joyful, and inspirational opportunities at BYU. At the same time, we hope that we, as a campus community, will be aware of and will support those who may need our personal and, if necessary, professional help.

Assistant clinical professor Tyler R. Pedersen, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist for the Counseling and Career Center.

Copyright Brigham Young University 25 Oct 2005