Published March 10, 2006
Faculty should help depressed students
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To the Daily:
I was extremely disheartened to see a University professor state yesterday that students should be wary of telling professors about issues with depression or any medication they may be on, because it may bias them (Impolite e-mails irritate profs, 03/08/2006). In the immediately preceding paragraph, however, the same professor lauds students with learning disabilities for communicating their needs to professors.
According to the University itself, depression is the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide. Ten percent of students come to college already diagnosed with depression, and a substantial percentage of students identify their illness while in college. One in 10 will consider suicide at some point during their college career.
Depression, just like any other physical or mental disability, is an illness. It can greatly affect a student's ability to perform academically, and this must be recognized. Professors must be mature and educated enough not to develop biases about "crazy" or "depressed" students, especially those who responsibly choose medication as one way to manage their situation. If professors are truly compassionate educators, they must recognize that depression is a nationally recognized illness and not succumb to traditional fears and prejudices against those who suffer from it. Statements such as those made yesterday only serve to reinforce the isolation so many depressed students already experience.
As the recent suicides on campus demonstrate, depression is not something that students can just "deal with" on their own. It requires openness, understanding and support from friends, family and, in the case of students, the University faculty and administrators that play a major role in our lives. Just as professors would gladly make necessary allowances for students with other physical and mental conditions, they must do so for those suffering depression, without perpetuating negative stereotypes and stigma.
Lisa Bakale-Wise
LSA senior
