Statistics on College and Teen Suicides

Statistics on College and Teen Suicides Depression Suicide Print College and Teen Suicide Statistics By Jackie Burrell Jackie Burrell is a former education and parenting reporter, experienced in issues around parenting young adults as a mother of four. Learn about our editorial policy Jackie Burrell Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 27, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Ghislain Marie David de Lossy / The Image Bank / Getty Images More in Depression Suicide Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Types Childhood Depression In This Article Table of Contents Expand Young Adult Suicide Statistics Risk Factors Warning Signs What Colleges Are Doing How Parents Can Help What to Do in a Crisis View All Back To Top Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), the suicide rate among young adults ages 15â€"24 has tripled since the 1950s, and suicide is currently the second most common cause of death among college students.?? These young people are often away from home and friends for the first time. Theyre living with strangers, far from their support systems, and working under intense pressureâ€"with disrupted sleeping, eating, and exercise patterns. You could hardly design a more stressful atmosphere, particularly when depression or other mental health issues enter the picture. Heres a snapshot of the statistics on college suicides and teen suicide attempts, as well as what some colleges are doing to help. Young Adult Suicide Statistics In a recent study published in Depression and Anxiety of more than 67,000 college students from more than 100 institutions, one in five students have had thoughts of suicide, with 9% making an attempt and nearly 20% reporting self-injury.?? One in four students reported being diagnosed with a mental illness.?? Suicides among girls  ages 15 to 19 doubled from 2007 to 2015, when it reached  its highest point in 40 years while the suicide rate for boys ages 15 to 19 grew by 30% from 2007 to 2015.?? Meanwhile, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.?? Risk Factors The primary risk factors that have been identified for teen and adolescent suicide include the following: Major depressionSubstance abuse issuesSevere personality disordersPhysical illnessTraumatic or stressful life eventsA prior suicide attemptA sense of isolation and lack of supportImpulsivity issuesPoor coping skillsAccess to a suicide method Warning Signs Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is one way to protect your teen or adolescent from suicide. According to the  Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education (SA/VE)  website, the following may indicate that your loved one urgently needs help: Severe mood swingsDisregard for personal appearanceTalking or joking about suicide (for example, being reunited with a deceased loved one)Statements of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness. (Life is useless, Everyone would be better off without me, It doesnt matter. I wont be around much longer anyway, I wish I could just disappear.)Preoccupation with death (such as in music, literature, drawings, or letters)Sudden happy or calmer stateWithdrawal or loss of interest in activities once enjoyedPoor academic performanceUnusual visiting or calling people (to say their goodbyes)Giving away possessions or getting affairs in orderSelf-destructive behavior (alcohol/drug misuse,  self-injury or mutilation, promiscuity)Risk-taking behavior  (reckless driving, carelessness around bridges, cliffs, or balconies, or walking in front of traffic)Having several accidents resulting in injuryObsession with guns or knives Those who are passively suicidal or have only vague ideas of wanting to die should still be taken very seriously, and arrangements should be made for them to see a therapist or psychiatrist. Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors What Colleges Are Doing In recent years, most colleges have expanded their mental health counseling services and suicide and depression awareness programs, including training dormitory resident assistants. Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, has even trained its dorm custodians to be on the lookout for troubled students. Many campuses have also increased their stress-reduction programs to help students better manage and reduce stress so it does not become unbearable. In addition to utilizing these health care and counseling services, students can become more resilient to stress and depression by fostering close personal relationships with friends, family, faculty, or staff and practicing healthy habits like adequate sleep, diet, and physical exercise, according to mental health counselors at Arizona State University. How Parents and Family Can Help Even if your child is away from home, there are ways you can help prevent suicide and safeguard their mental health. Stay Involved Attend their sporting events, performances, and other activities. Talk to teachers and faculty if you sense that their schoolwork is suffering, their grades are dropping, or they quit clubs or organizations on campus. Keep in Touch Freshmen especially need to know that the family support they relied on during childhood is still there, even long distance. Use whatever means they are most comfortable with to talk oftenâ€"text, phone, Facebook chat, or Facetime.   Ask Open-Ended Questions If you sense a problem is bothering your teen or college student, dont pry or panic. Ask open-ended questions and listen carefully to their answers, their tone of voice, and their willingness to share. Avoid criticism, harsh words, or impatience.   Promote Self-Care Encourage your teen or young adult to take time to take care of themselves, whether that means reading a good book, watching a movie, or taking a daily nap. Send healthy care packages to your college student and make sure your high schoolers have nutritious meals and snacks available.   Share Your Struggles Share some of the struggles you had when you were younger. Saying Ive been there can be the difference between your teen or young adult feeling heard and seen and feeling invisible. They may act like they dont care about what you say or show no interest, but they will most likely hear it anyway. Monitor Social Media This pertains to younger teens who are less likely to realize the emotional impact that social media can have on them, including cyberbullying, feelings of inadequacy, and finding out that they have been excluded from social activities. Studies have shown a direct correlation between the rise in social media use and the rise in teen depression. How to Help Your Depressed Teen What to Do in a Crisis Suicidal behavior is an indication of deep psychological pain. Your child is asking for your help. During a crisis situation, be sure to follow these dos and donts: Do not leave your child alone.Do not minimize their feelings or trivialize their problems.Do not treat your teen as if they are simply seeking attention.Do reassure your child that they are not a burden to you and they are not weak.Do praise them for having the courage to ask for help If your teen seems in immediate danger of a suicide attempt, call 911 or your local emergency room and ask for assistance. Because medication and therapy take some time to become effective, it may be necessary for your child to be hospitalized for their own protection. Teen Suicide Prevention