Analyzing a Trend: Draft*

Cassie Lyne
English11 A12
12/03/2009
Project 6: Analyzing a Trend
Draft*



Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. “In the past fifty years, the suicide rate for those age 15-24 increased by over 200%.” (1.) With the pressures of becoming an adult, being overwhelmed with debt, trying to balance a full time school schedule along with a full time work schedule, leaving friends and family to go away to school, and trying to build new relationships, suicide could seem like your only way out. These are the realities for most college students. It’s a wonder the suicide rate has increased so much within this age group with the price of tuition rising, and the economy crashing, times are tough.

Imagine being in such a tough time, and feeling like you have nobody to turn too or even that nobody can help you this could be extremely discouraging to anyone. “Major life transitions—such as leaving home and going away to college—may exacerbate existing psychological problems or trigger new ones. Add leaving family and friends to this can deepen depression and/or increase anxiety.”(1.) The attempt of suicide is usually committed by somebody who feels overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless, and committing suicide seems like an easy way out, or the only way out. “The attraction of suicide is that it will finally end these unbearable feelings. Intense emotional distress however often blinds people to alternative solutions…and there are always other solutions available.” (2.)

It is a fact that men commit suicide more than women; however women have been known to make more attempts. “Men commit suicide more than four times as often as women, but women attempt suicide about three times as often as men. For young adults ages 15-19, five times as many males as females commit suicide. For young adults ages 20-24, seven times as many males as females commit suicide. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for American men. It is the 19th leading cause of death for American women. Suicide by firearm is the most common method for both men and women.” (1.) It has not been proven as to why men are more likely to commit suicide more than women however it has been stated that women may be more likely to get help, or are more capable of opening up to somebody they do not know so well. Where as men may be more restricted and not able to admit something is wrong especially to someone they do not trust, they would rather “handle the situation themselves.”
Suicide Rates of College Students (per 100,000)
Age Women Men Total
17 - 19 1.2 5.7 3.4
20 - 24 4.5 9.0 7.1
All Students* 4.5 10.0 7.5
(2.)

The above chart shows the suicide rates of college students. The overall rate of student suicide is 7.5/100,000 which makes up half of the national suicide rate (15.0/100,000) the largest number of suicides for both male, and females was in the 20-24 year age ground which is 46%, among graduate students 32%.

“Suicide and suicidal behaviors come from a complex interaction among social (family, peer group, cultural), individual (psychological, genetic, biological), and environmental (e.g., firearm availability) factors. These factors can be divided into two categories – risk factors and warning signs.” (1.) Risk factors make an individual more into suicide thinking and behavior, warning signs may signal that an individual is suicidal. Some risk factors to consider are: history of suicidal behavior, mental health problems like serious depression or substance abuse, easy access to lethal weapons, isolation, antisocial aggressive or impulsive behavior, and a history of family violence. Common warning signs of suicide could include: talk of suicide or having no reason to live, having trouble sleeping, or performing normal rituals, drastic changes in behavior, stops being with friends and withdraws from any activities, loss of interest in schoolwork, hobbies, work, increase in substance abuse, loss of interest in personal appearance, relationship difficulties, financial trouble, and an unwillingness to connect with somebody who can potentially help.

Suicide on Campus (ACHA)
Total (%)
Very Sad 80.9
Hopeless 63.1
So depressed, could not function 45.1
Seriously considered suicide 10.0
Attempted suicide 1.4

(2.)

”The American college Health Association (ACHA, 2006), in a survey of over 46,000 college students across 74 college campuses, found that 10.1% of students reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide and 1.4% reported attempting suicide in the prior year.” (2.) According to this chart it is not uncommon for college students to feel very sad, hopeless, and so depressed that they were unable to function, also the consideration of suicide, and actual attempts.

It has been proven why suicide rates among college students are so high and continue to rise. The pressures of moving away from friends and family, trying to build new relationships, and dealing with financial work and school relating problem can be too much for anyone to deal with. This can lead to students feeling extremely depressed or hopeless, which are risk factors of suicide. Be sure to watch out for the warning signs if you feel yourself, or a friend is at risk, and make sure to get help for them or yourself.