U Of M Hosts Conference On College Depression

ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - Educators from across the country are converging on Ann Arbor for U of M's 12th Annual Depression on College Campuses Conference.

One in six people struggle with depression or a similar issue in their lifetimes, according to doctor John Greden, director of the school's Depression Center.

Greden told WWJ Health Reporter Sean Lee that developing effective strategies to deal with the issue at the college level will have a positive impact on society as a whole.

"We thought if we could really attack these problems in our youth, we're going to make a difference," Greden said. "They will become advocates and learn techniques that will be used to give to the rest of society."

He's says although he sees progress with the stigma associated with mental illness, there's still work to be done on delivering care.

Greden believes shared help amongst those suffering from the illness has been the biggest resource.

"They are even supportive of each other," he said. "That's the major progress. The treatments and the systems, and probably the financial resources haven't gone as well."

The conference will continue through Wednesday and Thursday.

To learn more about the Depression Center and U of M's two-day conference on college depression, click here.