Suicide

Suicide is not uncommon. In young people 15-to-24 years-olds, it is the third leading cause of death (NCIPC, 2000). There are risk factors, but for some, the complications of college life can contribute to the problem. There are so many changes in environment, routines, relationships, responsibilities and expectations. Support systems are also different. Living away from home and being apart from family and old friends can be really hard. Sometimes it is difficult for people to cope with all of these changes. Untreated depression can trigger dark despair and result in harmful thoughts, plans or actions.

If you are worried about yourself or someone else, it is important to have some understanding of the warning signs and risk factors for suicide. For more information, check out these online resources, contact the Student Health Center, and consider calling your parents for advice and support.

Resources:

American Association of Suicidology, Phone: 202-237-2280, www.suicidology.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Phone: 212-363-3500, www.afsp.org

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Office of Communications and Public Liaison, Public Inquires: 301-443-4513, E-Mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov, Web Site: www.nimh.nih.gov

www.webmd.com

www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/harmaway.cfm

References:

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Fact book for the year 2000:suicide behavior, 2000, 1-6, www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/factbook/suicide.htm