Suicide on the rise among college students

Suicidal tendencies among college students are increasing, according to a new study published in the journal of the American Association of Suicidology. Results show that from a sample of 1,865 students interviewed at four major universities, five percent had attempted suicide while in college.

Several universities and colleges around the nation are beefing up their counseling services to manage the rising numbers of students suffering with depression, stress, mental illness, substance abuse, family problems and cultural adjustments.

Locally, at Columbia University and NYU, due to an increase in suicide attempts in the last three years, both schools have been forced to increase security, close balconies and restrict roof access in dorm buildings. This academic year alone, five NYU students have committed suicide.

Here at Baruch, in the late ’90s two suicides occurred at the 18th Street building involving two female students. The latest suicide case was reported in 1998 at the 360 Park Avenue South Building where the victim was a young male.

“Psychopathology — the causes and development of psychiatric disorders — is growing,” said Dr. David W. Cheng, professor and director of the Baruch College Counseling Center.

After those incidents, the services at the Counseling Center were increased by hiring more staff and more training focused on suicide prevention and more staff. But it may need a new tune up to face the new challenges. Right now the center has a walk-in policy where a counselor is always available after a brief in-take process. But the number of students looking for counseling is rising and the center may need to implement appointment schedules in order to cope with the demand. Cheng expressed concern that if a student walks in with potential suicidal behavior and he or she does not find immediate help, it could be fatal.

“Clinical depression is not a very clear cut cause and effect problem, {suicide} has several components and triggers and needs professional treatment and follow-up,” Cheng explained.

Counseling sessions are free, 100 percent confidential and follow-up sessions are unlimited. If the patient poses a threat to his health or others, counselors will make the immediate referral to a hospital or mental health centers.

Anyone can commit suicide, and it is usually a cry for help and attention. The causes that lead to psychiatric disorders such as clinical depression are numerous. It could be a chemical imbalance, stress, alcohol abuse, social rejection, or several other factors. “These are only precipitation factors, but not the original cause for clinical depression,” Cheng added.

If you are thinking about suicide or know someone who is thinking about suicide, talk to someone right away. It could be a friend, relative, member of the clergy or a mental health professional. The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located in the Annex Building at 137 E. 25th St, in Room 927. Other resources: the NYC Department of Health has a 24 hour toll free and confidential suicide hotline called LifeNet—1800 LIFENET (1800-543-3638), also for Spanish speaking callers—1877 AYUDESE (1877-298-3373).