Colleges that provide good environment for kids with depression

[Anonymous]

We are looking for information about colleges that have good environment and support system for kids with history of depression. Our DC has strong stats and could apply to top schools, but we want our kid to go to a school where DC can be happy.
Can you share your good or bad experience with particular colleges? Schools that you would recommend for introvert kids with depression. Schools that you would not recommend based on your experience.

[Anonymous]

I suffer from depression and did ok in college because I went to a school in a real town where there was stuff to do outside of on campus parties. That’s one component to think about.

[Anonymous]

Don’t let your child go too far away, so you can ensure they are okay if need be

[Anonymous]

Maybe a place that is engaging but not super high stress or overwhelming in terms of workload? We're looking for such a place ourselves. Not sure what the answer is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t let your child go too far away, so you can ensure they are okay if need be

This x 1,000.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Please have your DC live at home while they are working on their issues. It’s not fair to a college roommate to be a dumping ground for kids with depression. That happened to my daughter- and I will never forget that family .

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please have your DC live at home while they are working on their issues. It’s not fair to a college roommate to be a dumping ground for kids with depression. That happened to my daughter- and I will never forget that family .

Living at home could contribute to depression, depending on the kid. They are entitled to try the college dorm experience. There is no telling when or if depression will surface. But you might consider OP whether your DC might prefer a single dorm room so they can have down time or quiet when they need it.

[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.

Liberal arts colleges come in different sizes. I've had the same reservations about the really small ones, but schools like Oberlin are bigger and some have good CS programs according to the thread on this topic that is active now. Can your DC do the EC they are involved with in college? If yes, steer towards schools that have activity in that EC so DC can jump right in to social activity.

[Anonymous]

I worry about this too, and am looking at colleges in areas where the weather is not gray skies. Cold and snow are fine but the gray sky thing does not help mood, imo.

I also agree with a PP re not going farther than driving distance from home. I know a mom who has a DD who has always been rather brittle and high maintenance, and she chose a college nearby.

The mom was initially disappointed because she wanted her DD to go across the country and experience life and also, give the mom a break from all the neediness. However; DD developed an eating disorder in college and turns out she would have probably have to have withdrawn if she had lived far away. But living locally, the mom had her come home for dinner twice a week and I think on weekends, and they monitored her and gave her a lot of support and she's doing great now.

My DC is also very high maintenance and causes me a lot of stress, and I really wanted her to go far away, too. But after hearing that story, I have come to grips with the idea that it really might be better for my DC if she stays within a few hours drive.

[Anonymous]

Definitely not Cornell. High number of people throw themselves off the bridge there.

Consider schools where the dorms have a lot of natural sunlight. Where it's not a heavy commuter school. Maybe consider schools in CA where during the winter it stays light out later than in the Northeast.

[Anonymous]

I do not think it's as simple as sunlight. Once in college, it is up to the student to seek help. Counselors will not seek out the student. I would keep them close (1 hour away) and visit often.

[Anonymous]

Unless the student has a history of self harm or attempted suicide, if the depression is well managed with medication, if the student understands and manages their own treatment well (therapist, exercise, etc) I do not think there is a reason to insist on them being close by.

Let them choose a college that fits BUT parent should stay in close touch and visit as frequently as they can; student must get a therapist (off campus IME) and sign a HIPAA waiver; ask that the therapist will alert parent if student stops coming to sessions.

It is scary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do not think it's as simple as sunlight. Once in college, it is up to the student to seek help. Counselors will not seek out the student. I would keep them close (1 hour away) and visit often.

Of course sunlight isn’t the only thing - but I have depression and long stretches of dark, gloomy days can definitely worsen symptoms - despite being on effective medication. My psychiatrist prescribed a light box and pushes me to get to a beach in Feb if possible.