What's up with 'most depressed colleges' on Niche?

While going through Niche for college info, I stumbled upon a list of 'most depressed colleges.' This sounds pretty alarming and I'm kind of worried. Can anyone clarify what this means exactly?

Niche's "most depressed colleges" list can indeed feel a bit unsettling at first glance, but it's important to consider its basis. The list is compiled from student self-reports about their mental health status, specifically their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Note that this is not a clinically diagnosed or empirically rigorous reflection of student mental health.

Also remember that many college students across various institutions may experience different levels of stress and anxiety due to factors like academic pressures, being away from home for the first time, or other personal challenges. What's distinctive here is that students at the schools on this list have been open about such challenges in their responses to Niche's survey.

While it should be considered, this list shouldn't necessarily dictate your college choice. Instead, it can be a jumping-off point for evaluating a school's mental health resources. Look closely at what kind of support services schools offer - counseling centers, peer-to-peer support, wellness programs, and more. These resources can be a vital part of your college experience, regardless of the school’s ranking on such lists.

Keep in mind that this data doesn’t capture every student’s experience at these schools. There will always be an array of individual experiences at any given institution. Make sure to conduct in-depth research and, if possible, communicate with current students or alumni to get a fuller understanding of a school’s atmosphere.