Suicide Rates Rise Among College Students: How Can Universities Help?
Nearly 14% of college students have seriously considered suicide.
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Recently, college students have faced a tough period in their lives while independently living away from home—academic pressures, side hustles, new friendships, commitments, and their careers. These stresses, however, have become the cause of an alarming mental health trend that affects young Americans, especially in the age group of 18-25, leading to higher rates of Suicide.
To add, almost 14% of young adults enrolled in college have reported seriously considering suicide within the past year.
Victor Armstrong, the vice president of health equity and engagement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, told Spectrum Local News that college is a difficult time to come to terms with mental health conditions because their current environment makes them vulnerable to worse illnesses if they don't already have one.
How Families Can Help Suicide Prevention
For Spectrum Local News, holidays present the best way for a comforting family bonding among college students when they go back home. According to professionals, now is the best time to inquire about their mental well-being. Open communication that flows from being supportive can be the easiest way in which a young adult would like to share their experiences and feelings with someone.
"How are you handling the stress?" or "What has been challenging for you lately?" would open them up on struggles.
The Role of College Campuses in Suicide Prevention
Now, college campuses have always been considered significant platforms that can support the mental health of students. Because campuses are communities to which tailored strategies can be implemented, schools can address these challenges using strategic, sustained, and fully supported public health approaches that prioritize equity.
Armstrong stated that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but creating an inclusive and supportive environment is key.
According to Greater Good, customized campus interventions work best. This means college campuses should take an integrated, equity-informed approach to suicide prevention. At the same time, colleges should also invest in mental health education resources that students and staff can tap into. This means studying warning signs, symptoms, and other indicators to save a life.
For colleges, mental health crises can be addressed on multiple fronts—through college-supported family intervention, campus programs, and public health strategies—all of which can provide a supportive environment for college students to thrive.
