College is a time of immense growth, discovery and exciting possibilities. However, it can also be a time of intense pressure, academic stress and feelings of isolation. Sadly, these challenges can sometimes push students to the brink. This has led to suicide being the second-leading cause of death for those 10 to 34 years old as of 2023, according to the CDC. Each year on college campuses, there are approximately 1,100 college students who die by suicide. This staggering statistic helps underscore the urgency of addressing mental health in young adults. 

Who’s more at risk? Understanding risk factors

While anyone can be affected by suicidal thoughts, certain college student populations can face higher risks:

• Gender — Women are more likely to attempt to take their own lives. However, men are four to six times more likely to die by taking their own life. This can help highlight the importance of encouraging men to seek help and talk about their struggles. 
• Transgender and gender-nonconforming — It’s also important to note that more than half of transgender and gender-nonconforming graduate students were positively screened for suicide-related behaviors. Approximately 7% of trans and gender-nonconforming college students attempted to take their own life. 
• Race and ethnicity — College students aged 18-24 years who are Alaskan Native, American Indian, Black, Hispanic and White are more likely to have an attempt of taking their lives. It’s crucial to help provide culturally appropriate mental health resources to these communities.
• Sexual orientation and gender identity — LGBTQ+ students may experience higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts compared to their heterosexual peers. It’s vital to create inclusive and supportive campus environments. 
• Veterans — Approximately 4% of undergraduate students and 5% of graduate students are veterans. A leading cause of veteran deaths, as of 2020, is taking their own life. Nearly half of college students who are also military veterans have thought of ending their life, and 20% of them said they had a plan to kill themselves, according to the American Psychological Association in 2011. By 2020, for veterans aged 18-34, which covers undergraduate and graduate student ages, the unadjusted rate of veterans taking their own lives reached approximately 46 per 100,000, the highest of the veteran age brackets. 
• Mental health conditions — Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions can significantly increase the risk of taking one’s own life. Early identification and treatment of these conditions is essential. 

How can you recognize the warning signs that someone needs help?

If you’re concerned about a friend or classmate, recognizing the warning signs of suicide is essential. Warning signs can include:

• Talking about taking their life or wanting to die
• Saying they feel hopeless, trapped or like a burden
• Increased withdrawal from friends and activities
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Giving away belongings or making goodbye statements
• Drug or alcohol use
• Self-harming behaviors

You are not alone: Resources and how to help

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone else, please know that help is available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — This is a free, confidential service that is available 24/7 at 988 and can provide you with support and connect you with local resources.
• Crisis Text Line — This confidential service, provided by texting HOME to 741741, can connect you with text-based support for people in crisis.
• The Trevor Project — This phone line, 1-866-488-7386, is a 24/7 resource specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and college students.
• The Jed Foundation — This foundation provides resources and support to help young adults with mental health struggles. 
• Your college counseling center — Many colleges offer confidential counseling services for their students.

How to help someone who might be considering taking their life

Knowing how to approach someone you’re concerned about can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you to better help them:

• Take them seriously — Listen without judgment and let them know you care. 
• Ask directly about suicidal thoughts — Don’t be afraid to use the word “suicide.”
• Encourage them to seek professional help — Offer to help them find resources or make an appointment with a therapist or counselor. 
• Stay safe — Remove any means of self-harm if possible. 
• Don’t leave them alone — It’s important to stay with them until they receive professional help or until someone else can watch over them. 

Preventing college suicides is a shared responsibility

College campuses can play a vital role in helping to prevent suicide. They can help by:

• Promoting mental health awareness — Educating students about mental health conditions and providing them with information on suicide prevention resources can help. 
• Reducing stigma — Colleges can take steps to create an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help for their mental health concerns. 
• Increasing access to mental health services — College campuses can provide adequate staffing for counseling centers to help ensure timely appointments and reduce wait times. 
• Offering a variety of mental health services — This may include colleges offering individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention services and after-hours support options. 
• Training staff and faculty — They can equip faculty, advisers and residential life staff with the skills they need to recognize signs of suicide and how to get students connected with resources. 
• Developing crisis response protocols — Colleges can have clear plans in place to respond to suicidal crises to help ensure the safety of students. 

Is suicide preventable?

Suicide is a complex issue, but it can be preventable. Through early intervention, access to mental health care and creating supportive college environments, we can significantly reduce the number of college student suicides. 

It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. There are people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. Lightfully U can help you, and we can take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.