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While ranked as the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.1, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students2.Being aware of the warning signs and risk factors of suicide may be our best hope for helping the young people we love. Following are some of the warning signs3 identified by research and clinicians. - Talks about suicide, death or having no reason to live/preoccupation with death
- Demonstrates drastic changes in behavior
- Abandons friends, social activities
- Increases his/her use of alcohol or drugs
- Stops maintaining his/her personal appearance
- Has difficulty eating or sleeping
- Takes unnecessary risks
- Faces a situation of humiliation or failure
- Gives away prized possessions
- Refuses help from concerned friends or family
Certain risk factors may make a college student more susceptible to suicidal thinking and behavior. Those factors include4 (but are not limited to) previous suicide attempts, a family history of suicide and a history of abuse or family violence. Students who have abused alcohol and/or drugs could be at risk as well as young people with a history of mental illness -- particularly depression. The student who displays impulsive, aggressive or antisocial behavior, as well as the student who isolates him/herself from others can be at risk. Easy access to firearms is another obvious risk factor.
College students who mention thoughts of suicide must be taken seriously and are in need of immediate help. University counseling, health services, dean of students and residence hall advisors are some of the resources available to help students in crisis. Counseling, hospitalization and medication (when needed) have proven effective in helping many suicidal young adults to create new, healthy behaviors and coping strategies5.
If you or someone you love wants to speak to a professional, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides immediate assistance to individuals in suicidal crisis. Through their toll-free telephone number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a caller is connected to the nearest available suicide prevention and mental health service provider.
References:
1. Data generated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's WISQARS system in September, 2005.
2, 3, 4. From the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen Development Center web site
5. From the RU Well Rice University Wellness Center web site.
Suggested links for more information:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Ulifeline
Jed Foundation
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | 
