Suicide: How can we better understand its causes

and prevent its occurrence?

The American

Foundation for

Suicide Prevention

ranks suicide as

the third leading

cause of death

among those 15-24

years old.

The national

average of college

students suffering

from severe

depression linked

to thoughts of

suicide is 13

percent of the

student body.

Out of this 13

percent of

contemplative

students, less than

1 percent actually completes suicide.

• About 7 percent of DU students report suffering from major depression with

thoughts of suicide.

• At any given time, 3 percent of DU students may be in the contemplative state.

• Less than 1 percent of DU students actually complete suicide.

Stress from academic course load and the high

demands expected of college level students serves

as a leading contributing factor to development of

depression with suicidal thoughts.

The number one cause of suicide

among college students is untreated

depression. "College can be a difficult transition,

with new independence,

responsibilities and expectations

arriving just as a student's previous

support system of family and friends

are often not readily available.”

“To add to the problem, the late teen

years are often when biologically-

based illnesses, such as depression

and bipolar disorder, begin to

manifest themselves.” says Dr. David

Kahn, vice chair for clinical affairs for

the Department of Psychiatry at New

York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia

University Medical Center.

Wrist cutting is usually practiced with the goal

of self-mutilation, and not suicide; however, if

the cut is deep and the bleeding is profuse

and/or allowed to continue, death may result.

The second most common

method used to commit suicide

is self-poisoning especially

through drug overdose.

Self-poisoning is especially

common among women who

desire a less violent method for

committing suicide.

Firearms are the most commonly used

method of suicide for men and women,

accounting for 60 percent of all suicides.

A white rose of remembrance for all those lost to suicide. Dew drops mark the countless tears shed.

The best way to prevent someone from committing suicide is to develop a relationship with

them or strengthen your current relationship by being available to listen and talk.

“When a person discloses suicidal thoughts, we must resist the instinct to talk the person out

of it and instead say, ‘You must really be hurting. Tell me more.’” noted Dr. Stacey

Freedenthal, an associate professor at the DU Graduate School of Social Work.

According to mental health counselors at

Arizona State University, factors that can

help reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings

include: resiliency skills; healthy habits,

including adequate sleep, diet and physical

exercise; and readily accessible health

care and counseling services.

“A friend’s hug is like the stars that light up your life

when things get dark.” – Author Unknown