College-Age Suicides Escalate

1. College-Age Suicides Escalate Untreated Depression Costs Lives Each new day brings rays of sunshine that invite life’s pleasures – the enticing scent of freshly brewed coffee; the warmth of embracing young children as they scurry off to school; or savoring simple bowls of delightful berries in all of its sweetness. Unfortunately, life’s splendors are no longer in reach for suicide victims. There are no more tomorrows and no options to change course. No more laughter. No more aha moments. No more tender hugs from loved ones. Nothing can reverse the loss of a life to suicide. It’s finite. Over. There are no second chances. Unfortunately, suicides on college campuses have been accelerating at an alarming rate. Paul Soutter, a sophomore at the College of William & Mary, recently took his own life. A once high-achieving young man, his death has brought increased attention to this epidemic of sorts. His death will forever leave a mark on his family, friends, teachers, and everyone else who knew this young individual who was once so full of life. This was the fourth student death at the college this year. A Washington Post article interviewed Kelly Crace, associate vice president for health and wellness at the college, who cautioned that it is easy to over-connect academic stress and the risk of suicide; he said it is actually a low predictor of suicidal feelings. He adds that the best predictor of suicidal feelings is a long history of mental health issues. In other words, depressive disorders – along with other mental health conditions – is serious business. According to Suicide.org, a 501c3 non-profit organization and website, suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. And the number one cause of suicide for college-student suicides (and all suicides) is untreated depression. Going to college can spur feelings of loneliness, isolation, confusion, anxiety and overall stress. Such feelings can lead to depressive disorders and other mental health conditions, which too often go untreated. This sets up a potentially tragic scenario. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), other suicide risk factors for college and university students in the United States include (but are not limited to) substance abuse or dependence (alcohol and other drugs); delinquency/conduct disorders; other disorders (e.g. anxiety disorder treatment, eating disorders); previous suicide attempts; and self-injury (without intent to die). If you suspect someone is suffering from a depressive disorder or another mental health condition, reach out and ask questions. Find out how they’re feeling and help them get the help they need. Call 1-800- SUICIDE to get vital information that just may save a life. The Claudia Black Young Adult Center is here to help young adults suffering from depressive disorders, substance abuse and other mental health conditions. Just like any serious illness, such conditions cannot and should not be managed without professional help. Left untreated, depression, for example, can progress to the point of suicidal feelings, so it’s important to seek prompt professional help. If you or any young adult in your life may be suffering from depression or any other mental health condition, call the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at 855-333-6075. We’re here for you and your loved ones, so reach out to us today!