Dr. Decipher: College Suicide, A Hidden Nightmare

By Dr. John Janousek, M.D. Monday, March 08, 2010

Two weeks ago The Flat Hat reported that Dominique Chandler’s body had been found in her room, an apparent suicide. Last year suicides were reported at Virginia Tech and JMU, and it is the second leading cause of death among college students.

About 1100 suicides will occur this year at colleges around the country, and the American College Health Association reports that 9 percent of all undergraduates have contemplated suicide.

These statistics are shocking, as college should be a stimulating time of growth and learning. Unfortunately, it is also a time of tough transitions with new responsibilities, expectations and the sudden need to be independent and self-sufficient. The competition just to get into college these days is incredible, let alone to excel once there.

Almost all college students who attempt suicide have a mental illness, which gets amplified at college, and of course depression is present-either primarily or secondarily. Students with suicidal thoughts and intentions frequently go unnoticed in the hectic college environment where erratic sleep patterns, binge drinking, drug use, experimentation and bizarre behaviors are common (I remember the "snake girl" in the early 80's who walked around with a large boa wrapped around her at W&M parties).

Many times depressed students contemplating suicide do not stand out - they are withdrawn and quiet. Warning signs include: depression, sudden drop in school performance, and giving away possessions. Eight of 10 suicidal students verbalize their intentions. Abrupt changes in behavior are a red flag, especially a sudden display of unusual calmness as this may signal a resignation to death.

It is especially difficult to find and help suicidal students as the best people to identify them are other students who are busy with their own classes and problems, and are still young themselves. Most students with depression are suffering silently and are undertreated.

Some tips if one suspects an acquaintance of contemplating suicide: Try to strengthen the relationship, listen, talk and show caring. It is ok to ask about suicide; you will not be putting thoughts into someone’s head.  Don’t act shocked or scared with the responses as you may be surprised at what you hear, and don’t argue. Ask about a plan, social support, prior attempts and psychiatric illness. If the situation seems imminently serious, do not leave the student and call 911. An angry friend is better than a dead one - err on the side of caution.

Education about depression and suicide prevention should be part of every college orientation, and mental illness treatment should be more open, easily available, and less stigmatized. Life is becoming more complicated and stressful each generation, and we all have mental problems to a greater or lesser degree. Copycat suicides are not uncommon, and William and Mary needs to be on guard for this phenomenon; the Flat Hat article stated that grief counselors are available 24 hours a day.

The issue of college suicide in general is a hidden, not highly publicized problem that needs to be addressed more openly with better prevention. I can’t imagine proudly sending one of my children off to college, then getting an unexpected call informing me of his suicide - such is the case 1100 times a year.

We can do better.