High Rates of Stress Events, Suicidality Among College Students

With college comes an increased risk of stressful events and mental health challenges, including the risk of suicide. In fact, one in five college students reported thoughts of suicide in the past year, according to a study of more than 67,000 college students across more than 100 colleges. The results were published in the journal Depression & Anxiety. 

"Some stressful events cannot be prevented and, in some cases, are completely normal. But for others, a plan should be in place for family, friends, and colleges to provide support," said lead author Cindy Liu, PhD, of the Departments of Pediatric Newborn Medicine and Psychiatry at BWH, in a statement. “Our study highlights an urgent need to help students reduce their experience of overwhelming levels of stress during college."

Luckily, adds Liu, there’s greater awareness and less stigma on college campuses today about mental health. And this study comes during National Recovery Month, sponsored each September by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover. 

Liu and her colleagues analyzed results from a survey by the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA), which asked students a variety of questions related to depression and anxiety, including: 

• Have you been diagnosed or treated for a mental health issue?
• Have you engaged in self harm, considered suicide or attempted suicide?
• How many stressful events, ranging from academics to family problems to sleep difficulties, have you experienced in the last year?

According to the study, one in four students reported being diagnosed with or treated for a mental health disorder in the prior year. And one-fifth of all students surveyed had thought about suicide, with 9 percent reporting having attempted suicide and nearly 20 percent reporting self-injury. Sexual minorities showed elevated rates of mental health disorders and suicidality/self-injury and the authors suspect that mental health issues may be underreported for racial/ethnic minorities. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
Suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students, with someone between the ages of 15 and 24 dying every two hours and 12 minutes. At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is causing or complicating substance abuse. To learn more, call 866-930-4673. 

Top Mental Health Challenges Among College Students

Did you know that one in four students are struggling with a diagnosable mental illness and yet 40 percent don’t seek help? Your mental health matters and if left untreated, could impact your academic, social and family life and lead to serious and even life-threatening health conditions. 

Luckily, more and more campuses are taking steps to help students take better care of their mental health – but you can play a pivotal role, too. 

Your first step is to learn and recognize the red flags. In honor Mental Health Month this month, here are some of the most common mental health issues among college students today. If you spot the signs in yourself or in someone you care about, don’t wait. Remember, you’re not alone and help is out there. 

Depression: According to one study, depression is the number-one reason students drop out of school. 

• Changes in sleep habits  (sleeping more or difficulty sleeping)
• Appetite changes (loss of appetite or overeating)
• Sadness
• Feelings of being overwhelmed
• Hopelessness
• Powerlessness
• Trouble concentrating and paying attention

Anxiety: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 75% of those affected by an anxiety disorder will experience their first episode before the age of 22. 

• Feelings of stress and apprehension
• Irritability
• Trouble concentrating
• Fearfulness
• Sweating and dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle pain and tension
• Headaches
• Frequent upset stomach or diarrhea

Suicide: Suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students, with someone between the ages of 15 and 24 dying every two hours and 12 minutes.

• Difficulty handling schoolwork
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits 
• Low energy levels or a feeling of being drained
• Feelings of hopeless or being trapped
• Extreme mood swings
• Emotional outbursts (crying or being easily irritated) 
• Changes in relationships, including sexual promiscuity
• Self-destructive behavior (substance abuse, cutting)

Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are the most common eating disorders. Nearly 50% of individuals with an eating disorder are also abusing drugs and/or alcohol, which is a rate fives times greater than the general population. 

• Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
• Excessive focus on healthy eating
• Withdrawing from normal social activities
• Persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight
• Use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss
• Excessive exercise
• Leaving during meals to use the toilet
• Eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal
• Expressingdisgust, shame or guilt about eating habits
• Eating in secret

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is causing or complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673. 

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.

"Take a Minute, Change a Life" is this year’s theme and, to this end, the organization will be releasing findings from a national stigma survey with the aim of better understanding attitudes and behaviors that need to change in order to prevent suicide.

College Suicide: Recognizing the Warning Signs
Suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students. Studies show that every two hours and 12 minutes, someone between the ages of 15 and 24 dies of suicide. Since suicide is most commonly caused by untreated depression, it’s important to learn the typical signs of depression that indicate a cry for help. This may include: 

• Trouble handling schoolwork
• A lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in eating habits or sleeping patterns
• Low levels of energy or a feeling of being drained
• Feeling hopeless, trapped or in unbearable pain
• Emotional outbursts (i.e. crying or being easily irritated) or mood swings 
• Changes in relationships, including sexual promiscuity
• Self-destructive behavior (i.e. substance abuse, cutting)

Any mere thought or mention at all of suicide warrants immediate attention. If you believe someone is at risk of suicide, don’t be afraid to ask if they are thinking about killing themselves. This won't put the idea into their heads or make it more likely that they’ll attempt suicide, notes the U.S. Surgeon General. Speaking with a mental health professional or counselor is also a great first step.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.