#3 MH Problem Facing College Students

The #3 mental health problem? Suicide--the second leading cause of death among college students, although at least 1 in 10 college students has at least thought about killing themselves. A 2011 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated there were 39,518 suicides reported in the U.S., making it the 10th leading cause of death that year. A majority of college students who take their lives have a diagnosable and treatable mental illness. Do any of the following common contributors to suicidal behavior apply to you:

• Severe depression
• Anxiety and devastation from a broken relationship or lost loved one
• Family mental health history
• Feelings of failure and hopelessness

Ask yourself:

• Are you withdrawing from friends, peers, and activities you used to enjoy?
• Have you ever thought about killing yourself?
• Have you ever told someone you thought about killing yourself?
• Have you experienced feeling of worthlessness or guilt?
• Have you recently begun to abuse drugs or alcohol?
• Do you experience extreme anxiety or intense anger?

 If yes, call 911 or go to an urgent care center. All things being equal, if suicide can be prevented, the world will not be deprived of what only you could have contributed with your unique, one-of-a-kind brain. The following organizations are some of those that are dedicated to preventing suicides.

Active Minds

National Alliance on Mental Illness

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The Trevor Project

The Jed Foundation