Suicide Among College Students

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Author: American Association of Suicidology
Topic: Suicide

Suicide Among College Students

• In 1998, suicide was the second leading cause of death in college-age students (20 to 24 year olds).
• It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 suicides on college campuses per year.
• One in 12 college students have made a suicide plan.
• In 2000, the American College Health Association surveyed 16,000 college students from 28 college campuses.
  • 9.5% of students had seriously contemplated suicide.
    
  • 1.5% have made a suicide attempt.
    
  • In the twelve month period prior to the survey, half of the sample reported feeling very sad, one third reported feeling hopeless and 22% reported feeling so depressed as to not be able to function.
    
  • Of the 16,000 students surveyed, only 6.2% of males and 12.8% of females reported a diagnosis of
    

• Two groups of students might be at higher risk for suicide:
  • Students with a pre-existing (before college) mental health condition, and
    
  • Students who develop a mental health condition while in college.
    

• Reasons attributed to the appearance or increase of symptoms/disorders:
  • New and unfamiliar environment;
    o Academic and social pressures;
    o Feelings of failure or decreased performance;
    o Alienation;
    o Family history of mental illness;
    o Lack adequate coping skills;
    o Difficulties adjusting to new demands and different work loads.

• Risk factors for suicide in college students include depression, sadness, hopelessness, and stress.
• As with the general population, depression plays a large role in suicide. “Ten percent of college students have been diagnosed with depression” (NMHA, 2001). “The vast majority of young adults aged 18 and older who are diagnosed with depression do not receive appropriate or even any treatment at all”.
  

Sources
The information for this portion of the fact sheet was gathered from Safeguarding your Students Against Suicide - Expanding the Safety Net: Proceedings from an Expert panel an Vulnerability, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Behavior on College Campuses, a report by NMHA and The Jed Foundation (2002).

American Association of Suicidology
The goal of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is to understand and prevent suicide.  AAS promotes research, public awareness programs, education, and training for professionals, survivors, and all interested persons. 
AAS serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide.  AAS has many resources and publications, which are available to its membership and the general public.  For membership information, please contact:
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