With rigorous academic schedules, Boston University students and their peers at other schools are no strangers to stress. But experts said they may become depressed if pressure is too great.

BU psychology professor Mark Richardson, a BU psychology professor, said major factors that can contribute to depression among students may include academic demands, such as challenging course loads.

‘[Other stressors include] separation from primary sources of support, such as family and friends, and stresses associated with new levels of independence can contribute to depression,’ Richardson said.

He also said fatigue due to additional academic and/or social demands in college may make students particularly vulnerable to depression.

Massachusetts General Hospital psychiatrist David Mischoulon has researched depression on college campuses over the course of the last decade.

‘We found that of 701 students surveyed, 14 percent of them had significant signs of depression,’ Mischoulon said. ‘Students are just as vulnerable as any other population.’

Though the average age of his depression patients is 40, Mischoulon said he sees some young people, too.

‘They represent a small fraction because they may be reluctant to seek out help,’ Mischoulon said.

He said some students may first attribute feelings to everyday stressors, though these may actually be early signs of depression.

Mishoulon recommended students talk to a mental health professional if they are feeling overwhelmed.

‘Consultations would be beneficial to anyone,’ Mischoulon said. ‘Talking to someone may be helpful because they can make proper recommendation and provide reassurance.’

New York University Medical Center psychiatry professor Margaret Backman said she also found reluctance among students she treated at Barnard College to get help.

‘A lot of depressed people don’t seek treatment right away,’ Backman said. ‘The people who are most uncomfortable talking to friends or family about their depressed feelings are those who don’t come in right away.’

She said students may come in to student service facilities after encouragement from professors, friends or family.

‘It takes a while,’ Backman said. ‘It takes time to trust someone enough to tell them your problems.’

Backman said problems in a person’s family life, home life, or school life may have to do with their stress levels and trigger depression.’ Economic problems have a big role right now as well.

Depression also results from chemical imbalance in the brain, so treatment involves a wide range of options, including medication and talking to a therapist, Backman said.

BU students said they are aware of the strain that comes from academic commitments.

‘I think this semester has been pretty stressful,’ College of Communication senior Diana Gravallese said. ‘I thought it would be easier senior year, but you still have to do a lot of class work, so it adds to the stress.’

College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Tara Bylsma said she can understand how an overburdened student could become depressed.

‘I think stress from school can lead to depression, especially if you are overwhelmed by classes or a lack of downtime,’ she said.