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. 

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. 

Suicide: Know the Warning Signs

Suicide seems to be rampant in the news lately – what with the controversial Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” and the recent suicide of Chris Cornell, Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman. 

Why not use this opportunity to talk about suicide – the stats are downright scary. One in 10 college students have considered suicide and it's the second-leading cause of death in college-age students. 

While suicide is very serious, it’s also very preventable. Here’s a look at some of the warning signs and what you should do if you notice them in yourself or someone you love, according to the U.S. Surgeon General and of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Warning signs of suicidal behaviors include… 

• Talking about wanting to die
• Feeling hopeless, trapped or in unbearable pain
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

If you believe someone is at risk of suicide …

• Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This won't put the idea into their heads or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
• Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK.
• Take the person to a nearby emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
• Remove any objects that could potentially be used in a suicide attempt.
• If possible, don’t leave the person alone.

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.