Facts + Figures
DId you know?
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 14-34.
Each year 1,100 college students die by suicide.
1 in 12 college students make a plan for suicide.
90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health disorder, most commonly depression and/or substance abuse disorder.
Evidence suggests that 25% of people who die by suicide misuse or are dependent on alcohol/drugs. Furthermore, nearly 50% of people who take their own life have alcohol in their system when they die.
In 2015, large campuses reported an average of one licensed mental health provider per 3,500 students causing some students to wait up to three weeks to see a counselor.
Source: http://stopasuicide.org/learn-to-act.php
Warning Signs Demanding Immediate Attention:
Talking about or writing about suicide or death
Giving direct verbal ques, such as, “I wish I were dead” and “I’m going to end it all”
Isolating himself/herself from family and friends
Giving away prized possessions
Expressing the belief that life is meaningless
Exhibiting a sudden or unexplained improvement in mood after being depressed and withdrawn
Neglecting his or her hygiene
Dropping out of school or social, athletic, and/or community activities
Additional Warning Signs:
Frequent tearfulness and/or crying
Decreased interest in activities or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
Hopelessness, helplessness
Persistent boredom or low energy
Social isolation
Increase or decrease in sleeping patterns
Increase or decrease in eating patterns
Low self-esteem/guilt
Difficulty with relationships
Increased irritability, anger or hostility
Drug and alcohol use
Obsessive risk-taking
Marked personality change
Absences in school and/or drop in school performance