Suicide

Most people who are suicidal desperately want to live, but are unable to find another way to cope with their thoughts or feelings.

Almost 10% of college students seriously consider attempting suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, and the third leading cause among all people ages 15-24 years old. Almost all college students who die by suicide are suffering from an emotional disorder, most commonly depression. Other emotional problems can increase the risk of suicide, too, such as 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 even a failed exam. The most effective way to prevent suicide is to know the warning signs, take those signs very seriously, and know how to respond when you see these signs in a friend or classmate—or, if you experience them yourself. With proper treatment, people who are suicidal CAN BE HELPED!  (Click: Supporting a friend who may be contemplating suicide.)

Symptoms

• Threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself
• Looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to guns, available pills, or other means
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide with an organized plan in mind, especially when these actions are out of the ordinary for this person
• Lacking in a social support network, such as having few or no friends, little or no family
• Overwhelmed by academic and social pressures
• Increasing substance abuse
• Depression
• Feelings of utter failure
• Decreased academic performance
• Recent personal loss, breakup of a close relationship, or having long-term health problem
• Disordered thinking and not seeming to make sense, not being rational
• Upset, angry, hostile, uncontrolled rage, and impulsive
• Living alone with an abusive partner
• Giving away possessions and being in a good mood about it
• Personal history of suicide attempt(s)
• Hopelessness, expressing no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
• Reckless behavior involving risky activities
• Feeling trapped like there’s no way out
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society in general
• Dramatic mood changes