Suicide in colleges in the United States

[4] According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 49% of the student population within the educational system have been diagnosed with or treated for depression.

[5] Recent studies have also shown that underclassmen are less likely to commit suicide compared to upperclassmen due to a lack of worry over bills or work.

[6] During the 20th century, universities and colleges drew limited attention to the issue of student suicides to avoid damages to the reputation and image of their institutions.

If untreated, the consequent emotional issues can result in the development of long-term mental health difficulties, including major depression, post-traumatic stress, and dissociation.

[22] In a 2008 physiological study conducted by the Associated Press and MTVU, eight out of ten college students reported a feeling of horrible stress that impacted their grades.

The link between depressive symptoms and hopelessness was shown to be reduced among college students who had high levels of social support.

[28] In a national survey, it was shown that less than half of the college students who had seriously contemplated suicide during the previous twelve months received any mental health treatment during that time.

[29] These correlations show that help seeking behavior among suicidal college students cover a wide range of personal and social factors.

[30] Many universities and colleges have begun offering assistance to new and returning students with dealing with stress.

[7] The most common intervention strategies used by colleges involve campaigns to reduce stigma and provide education on mental illness, screen the population and attempt to link at-risk individuals with resources, or train people who are in often in contact with other members of the community.