Two years ago, in a theme paper, a student reported that he was going to kill himself on Christmas day. A perceptive English professor, who was deeply troubled by the suicide threat, called the Counseling and Human Development Center. After discussing this matter, the professor was able to get the student to come to the counseling center on an emergency basis. Two years later, after battling depression, hopelessness, deep-seated mistrust, and consistent thoughts that death would be preferable to a painful life, the student walked across the stage and shook the hand of the university president on graduation day.

Is this an unusual case? As recently reported in such media as New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Newsweek, the incidence of depression and suicidal tendencies in college students is on the rise. In fact, last year there were six suicides at New York University. In a survey of 47,000 students by the American College Health Association, it was found that 4 percent more students were diagnosed with depression (14.9 percent versus 10.3 percent) in spring 2004 than in spring 2000. Especially troubling is that about 10 percent of all students surveyed in 2004 seriously considered suicide during the past year. Since suicide is the second leading cause of death for 18- to 22-year-olds, it was especially prudent of that English professor to get in touch with a mental health professional.

However, there may be less obvious signs than a suicide note to indicate a student is experiencing significant emotional difficulty. Although a complete evaluation is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis, the following are some warning signs of students who may be experiencing emotional distress:

• Failure to attend class regularly
  
• Sudden change in academic performance and attitude
  
• Physical changes such as sudden weight loss or gain, excessive fatigue
  
• Substance abuse and dependence
  
• Deteriorating personal grooming
  
• Bizarre or strange behavior such as emotional outbursts, aggressive behavior, or talking to invisible people
  
• Obvious morose behavior, i.e., tearfulness, hopelessness, or actively or passively welcomes death (“I’d be better off dead.” “There is no reason to be alive.”)
  

Generally, it is important to speak with the student in private, discuss your observations and concerns without being judgmental, express your concern, and instill hope and encourage the student to come to the Counseling Center. It has been determined that two-thirds of completed suicides have involved people who have never entered treatment. Treatment has been found to be successful in helping students safely and successfully handle depression and suicidal ideation.

The Counseling and Human Development Center will be conducting a program in February to help members of the Carolina community become more sensitive and knowledgeable about how to help students in distress. Through collaboration and referral, we can help students safely maximize their academic and emotional potential.

12/04