Suicide Rate in College

According to college surveys school can be a stressful time for young adults. It is the first time they are away from their parents and for many it is a time where they must face adulthood head on. College can lead to a load of responsibility such as learning to maintain a balance between your classwork, social life and work outside of college.

As many people know college can be a stressful time for young adults. It is the first time they are away from their parents and for many it is a time where they must face adulthood head on. College can lead to a load of responsibility such as learning to maintain a balance between your classwork, social life and work outside of college. Some students are able to handle the pressure of college while other students may find themselves struggling. According to College Degrees Search 6% of undergraduate students have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and nearly half of them did not tell anyone. But why is this the case, what causes students to have these thoughts during their undergraduate years?

According to the New York Times the number one reason students turn to suicide is because of stress. It is daunting to say that college can be so stressful students think about killing themselves just to ease the pain.

70% of young adults in college are on some kind of financial aid. This could be scholarships, student loans, or work study programs.

The reality is to qualify for many of these financial benefits a certain GPA is required. Not only are students under pressure to pass their classes but keep their aid as well.

The University of Southern Mississippi is one of the many universities across the nations to address this issue. USM's School of Psychology department has become part of a national event to spread awareness about this growing issue.

Out of the Darkness is a campus walk that is in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) The purpose of the walk is to spread awareness across college campuses and to let students know that they are not alone.

USM's School of Psychology program is one to the many collages in the nation to sign up for the walk. Any college can sign up to be part of "Out of the Darkness" To start a walk it starts with one person who will register as a Team Captain. The Team Captain is the person who will contact other team members. The team will come up with a name and that's it. It's just was simple as that.

The good news is more and more people are becoming aware of this growing epidemic in collages and many organizations have been created to help solve this problem. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center is a website where college students and the general public can educate themselves about how to handle suicidal thoughts and learn how to help other people that may be struggling as well.

The most important thing for college aged students to know is they are not alone. There are many resources and outreach programs to help them with their circumstances. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts remember there is always help. The National Suicide Lifeline accepts calls 24/7 and they can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.

Here's more suicide information and counseling at USM.