We want to thank the Daily for printing an article about college students and suicide ("Suicide rate jumps for college students nationwide," Oct. 3). Because of the importance of this issue, we would also like to clarify and expand on a few points.
The article refers to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reports an increase in the suicide rate among Americans ages 10 to 24 during 2003 and 2004. However, the CDC data does not actually point to an increased suicide rate among college students, as was suggested by the Daily headline.
The CDC findings indicate that the most significant increases are among females ages 10 to 19, and among males ages 15 to 19, and do not include information about college students in particular. Other studies have found that the suicide rate in college students is about half that of non-student peers, when matched for age, gender and race.
That being said, suicide is a serious and persistent problem on college campuses across the country. As the Daily noted, approximately 1,100 college students take their own lives each year. Risk factors for suicide are complex and multi-determined, including not only mental or emotional problems, but also alcohol and drug abuse, acute psychosocial stressors, difficulty accessing mental health resources, and availability of lethal means.
A key point of clarification is regarding the correlation between stress and suicide. While stressful life events may play a role in the onset or exacerbation of mental health problems, they are rarely isolated causal factors in suicide.
College students often do encounter significant pressures and developmental challenges associated with adjustment to college life, but feeling suicidal is not a typical response to these challenges. In fact, the largest common factor among student suicide victims is the presence of some sort of psychiatric illness at the time of their death - most commonly depression or other mood disorders.
Alcohol and drug abuse are also highly correlated with suicidal behavior, particularly when co-existing with other psychological problems. Any student who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings should seek help from a mental health professional.
We would also like to underscore the important point made by Professor Heather Urry: that Tufts students can take action to help a friend if they are concerned about his/her safety or wellbeing. These steps include honestly expressing your concerns, offering support, and encouraging your friend to consider professional help.
Convey the message that depression and other mental health concerns are real, common and treatable. Remind them that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Finally, be respectful about their privacy, but don't get sworn to secrecy.
If you have any reason to think your friend is at risk of suicide or self injury, ask for help. Call Counseling and Mental Health Services at Tufts University (CMHS), the Tufts Police or another trusted adult who can help. We are always willing to offer consultation and assistance to anyone who is concerned about a Tufts student.
Students come to Tufts for many reasons, including pursuit of a top-notch education, exciting new opportunities, a broadening social network and a deepening awareness of themselves. Yeat these hopes can be elusive when depression or other problems get in the way. If that is happening to you or someone you know, contact us. We are here to help.
Julie Ross and Marilyn Downs work with the Counseling and Mental Health Service at Tufts Health Service.
