Colleges that provide good environment for kids with depression

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking about colleges in NE within 1-4 hours away from home. I heard that liberal arts college might be good for introvert but there is a chance that DC might not find a good friend group given small size.
I wonder if Pitts might be a good choice. We thought about UPenn or Cornell as they are strong in CS, but I heard that they may not be good for kids with depression.

Both would be AWFUL for kids with depression.

You don't want competitive/cut throat environments, full of people living under pressure.

I think you need to let go of status and put your daughter's welfare first. Consider the CTCL, they at least provide lots of individual attention to students, so someone would likely know and care if she was in trouble.

[Anonymous]

DS is going to a smaller LAC south of here but close by. I do think going north would not be a good idea for him. He is also going to a less competitive college than his scores would warrant which will hopefully be better for him. Time will tell.

[Anonymous]

Within driving distance, Oberlin, Dickinson, and Goucher (going from hard to get into too easier to get into) are all kind places.

[Anonymous]

Rose Hulman might be worth looking into. I heard it is good for supporting students who need extra support.

[Anonymous]

Our neighbors dd struggled with mental health issues (missed a lot of school in 9th and 11th so it was pretty serious) and she did really well at JMU. I don’t know the details of the support they received but I would look into it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our neighbors dd struggled with mental health issues (missed a lot of school in 9th and 11th so it was pretty serious) and she did really well at JMU. I don’t know the details of the support they received but I would look into it.

So interesting. I visited JMU recently and was struck by how the campus is somehow cheerful. I couldn't really put my finger on why and was surprised that a largish public university could have such a "cheerful vibe."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighbors dd struggled with mental health issues (missed a lot of school in 9th and 11th so it was pretty serious) and she did really well at JMU. I don’t know the details of the support they received but I would look into it.

So interesting. I visited JMU recently and was struck by how the campus is somehow cheerful. I couldn't really put my finger on why and was surprised that a largish public university could have such a "cheerful vibe."

That’s JMUs thing. Pretty much everyone is nice there. It’s a campus culture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our DC's depression is well controlled and DC is involved in EC activities. We are just looking for colleges that are ideal for kids with history of depression.

There are not any specific to this.

This is a personal issue. If you are worried closer to home and doctors they already know. Also, possibly places that have more sunshine.

[Anonymous]

A family friend's daughter, who had a history of severe depression and anxiety, is thriving at University of Mary Washington. I don't have any direct experience with the school myself, but it seems like a very tightknit and warm community. Historic Fredericksburg is cute, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A family friend's daughter, who had a history of severe depression and anxiety, is thriving at University of Mary Washington. I don't have any direct experience with the school myself, but it seems like a very tightknit and warm community. Historic Fredericksburg is cute, too.

I should add one more thing - she was a high stats kid and could have gone to "higher ranked" schools, but UMW worked out wonderfully for her. She has lots of leadership positions and has formed close relationships with professors.

[Anonymous]

OP - we just sent a DC with a history of depression to SMU. Top HS student who is now a top student there. They have been great. The school is large enough to have services, but small enough to not let the kids get lost. DC has a single room, as the doctor emphasized that regular wake/sleep is vital (and since medicine can have a side effect of insomnia). Recommend!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighbors dd struggled with mental health issues (missed a lot of school in 9th and 11th so it was pretty serious) and she did really well at JMU. I don’t know the details of the support they received but I would look into it.

So interesting. I visited JMU recently and was struck by how the campus is somehow cheerful. I couldn't really put my finger on why and was surprised that a largish public university could have such a "cheerful vibe."

That’s JMUs thing. Pretty much everyone is nice there. It’s a campus culture.

This is very true. I didn’t believe it could be until I had two kids attend JMU and saw first hand how genuinely nice, kind, and down-to-earth these students are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A family friend's daughter, who had a history of severe depression and anxiety, is thriving at University of Mary Washington. I don't have any direct experience with the school myself, but it seems like a very tightknit and warm community. Historic Fredericksburg is cute, too.

+1
Another school known for its warm student body.

[Anonymous]

My kid with a history of depression wisely (IMO) skipped over schools she felt would be a repeat of her pressure-cooker high school experience. No reaches on her list, just well-chosen matches and a couple of safeties. Her college experience has been great--she feels challenged but not stressed out, and she has plenty of time for fun, exercise, creative pursuits--the things that help keep her healthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking about colleges in NE within 1-4 hours away from home. I heard that liberal arts college might be good for introvert but there is a chance that DC might not find a good friend group given small size.
I wonder if Pitts might be a good choice. We thought about UPenn or Cornell as they are strong in CS, but I heard that they may not be good for kids with depression.

You are joking right? That’s a bad joke OP. Penn or Cornell? Otherwise, for someone who is depressed? I don’t understand how someone would possibly consider these schools for someone with a history of depression.