Depression and Suicide Among College Students: A Guide to Assessing Risk

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of deaths among college students today, but did you know that suicide is the second leading cause? Both causes can no doubt be reduced, but with a little knowledge and some understanding of how to assess risk, suicide is especially preventable in many cases.

The July 2002 online edition of Education Update contains an article entitled "Suicide Prevention on College Campuses." Author Molly Wallace cites statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health that say more than 90 percent of college age individuals who kill themselves suffer from mental illness, namely depression. That's an astounding statistic!

Wallace also cites studies that say individuals suffering from depression are some 20 times more likely to commit suicide than the general public, and those who have attempted suicide in the past are 38 percent more likely to do so in the future. Further, four out of five college age individuals who attempt suicide show clear warning signs in advance. That should get our attention.

With that in mind, suicide rates may be cut considerably by targeting those individuals who have depressive symptoms or have already attempted suicide. And you and I can help!

At a time in their lives when life often brings excitement and new frontiers, too many college students arrive in unfamiliar communities and surroundings, where the support of family and familiar friends is limited and the new demands of college life become stressful and sometimes overwhelming. The pressures, whether they be academic or social, can soon leave a college student feeling like they're in a box - alone, isolated and with no way out. Depression may quickly set in.

In my experience with a couple of individuals in this very situation, I learned a tremendous amount. For one thing, most college students who either attempt suicide or express a desire to be dead really just want the emotional pain to end. But just as the saying goes, they consider a permanent solution to what really is a temporary problem.

So what can you do?

First and foremost, determine if there is an imminent threat of suicide. Is it an emergency? In other words, has the person said they in fact intend to kill themselves? Do they have a plan as to how they will do it? Is their plan feasible; do they have the means? If, for example, they intend to shoot themselves, do they have a gun or quick access to a gun?

If the answers to these questions are yes, authorities must be notified at once and the person should not be left alone or unsupervised in the wait for authorities to arrive. You may get an angry response from the suicidal person, but an angry child, friend, family member or classmate is much better than a dead one.

As statistics indicate, most depressed people are not suicidal. But most suicidal people are depressed. With that in mind, let's first look at the symptoms of depression.

In general, some typical signs of depression are sleep disturbance, either insomnia or excessive sleep; significant weight gain or loss in a relatively short amount of time; significant loss of interest in things previously enjoyed; withdrawal from friends and social activities; diminished energy and ability to tend to everyday tasks; moving and speaking slowly; sudden drop in academic performance; ongoing feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, sadness or desperation.

Although mental health intervention is likely to help improve the symptoms of depression, the risk of suicide greatly increases if depression is accompanied by talk of death and suicide; a previous suicide attempt; extreme anxiety, agitation or rage; increased alcohol or drug use; significant loss of virtually any kind; death themes in conversation, personal writings, works of art; preparing for suicide by putting affairs in order.

Most, if not all, college age people who commit suicide had a diagnosable, treatable mental illness. When properly diagnosed and professionally and medically treated, there is little reason most depressed individuals cannot learn tools to manage their depression and develop coping skills than can save them from succumbing to the throes of depression and ultimately killing themselves.

Bottom line: If you suspect that someone might be considering suicide, trust your instincts. If you determine there is an imminent risk of suicide call in professional help immediately. If you suspect depression, but don't believe suicide is a looming emergency, reach out to the person. Involve yourself in their life. Give them an open door for safe conversation. And don't hesitate to ask questions. If you ask a depressed person if they are considering hurting themselves or committing suicide, you won't be putting irrational thoughts into their head or causing them to think about something they would not have otherwise considered. If you get an unexpected answer that shocks you, don't become frightened or attempt to talk them out of it or preach about the morality of taking one's own life. Instead, listen, evaluate and express your level of care for them. Then seek the guidance and help of a qualified professional by calling a suicide hotline or your local mental health care provider.

Suicide is a serious problem on college campuses today, but with awareness and intervention, this cause of death among our young adults can be greatly reduced.

Resource:

Article, Education Update July 2002, "Suicide Prevention on College Campuses" by Molly Wallace; http://www.educationupdate.com/archives/2002/july02/htmls/cov_molly.html