Suicide and College Students

There are a range of negative consequences that can happen when mental health problems in young people are not addressed or properly treated. These include: struggling academically or socially, having to drop out of college, severe isolation and loneliness, not developing critical coping and life management skills, and drug or alcohol dependency. By far the most devastating and permanent consequence of emotional distress is suicide.

Check Point

Should you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of the following, get help IMMEDIATELY by contacting a mental health professional, calling your college’s emergency number, or calling 1-800-273-8255 (TALK.)

Most people who are suicidal desperately want to live but are unable to find another way to cope with their thoughts or feelings. Almost all college students who die by suicide are suffering from an emotional disorder, most commonly depression. Other emotional problems can also increase the risk for suicide including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse or eating disorders.

Identifying and treating these illnesses is especially important because someone with an untreated emotional disorder may be more likely to attempt suicide in the wake of a stressful event such as a death, relationship difficulties or a failed exam.

Other factors that can put an individual at increased risk for suicide include:

  • Previous suicide attempt
  • Family history of suicide, suicide attempts, depression or other mental health conditions
  • Impulsive personality
  • Alcohol or substance abuse

SUICIDE: STATS YOU MUST KNOW

  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students
  • Nearly 4,000 people aged 15–24 die by suicide each year in the United States
  • 7% of college students say they’ve seriously considered suicide during the past year
  • 16% of students say that they have a friend who has talked about wanting to end their life in the past year


Sources used in this article: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, mtvU / Jed Foundation and AP Poll, Suicide.org

For Immediate Assistance

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)