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What Are the Causes of College Suicide?

There is an average of one suicide every 17 minutes, and thousands of people commit suicide every year. College students are one of the groups most at risk for suicide.

  1. Untreated Depression

    • The leading cause of suicide among college students is untreated depression. Many college students who are suffering from depression do not get treatment. Depression can be treated with counseling and medications, but college students often do not seek out the counseling they need.

    Stress

    • The college years can be very stressful for many people. Having to deal with a new environment, new friends and new classes can make college incredibly stressful. Sometimes this stress is too much for students to handle, which may lead to suicide.

    Peer Pressure

    • Many college students feel pressured by those around them to succeed and form an identity. At times, these pressures can be overwhelming for new students.

    Drugs and Alcohol

    • Drugs and alcohol can have negative impacts on the college brain. Overusing these substances can cloud the minds of college students and make them more prone to dangerous behavior, such as suicide.

    Counseling

    • Most colleges have counselors who can assist students who are at risk for suicide. Counselors can be very helpful to those who are depressed or considering suicide. Visiting a counselor can help put things into perspective and lower the risk of suicide.

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