Though most college students experience high amounts of stress, young adult college students are less likely to commit suicide compared with others their age.
The second-leading cause of death in college students is suicide, leading many to believe that high stress levels and anxiety cause students to attempt suicide.
"Being busy keeps you happy," said junior Greg Lowe.
Lowe said he experiences stress, especially during finals and midterms.
According to Stayner Landward, dean of students, there is speculation why there are fewer suicides among college students compared with other young adults.
"Although there may be more stress among college students, they also have support systems available," according to Landward.
Friendships, counseling centers and professors are some of the avenues that can help students deal with stress.
U child and adolescent psychiatrist Doug Gray said that people who are at high risk of attempting or committing suicide show signs of depression and/or substance abuse prior to suicide.
"Mental illnesses combined with stress is a high risk factor," Gray said.
Depression is linked to suicide but cannot be determined as the number one cause of suicide, according to Ethan Schwartz, a U guidance counselor.
"Depression is a major risk factor. Fifteen percent of people with depression commit suicide," Schwartz said. "Over the age of 55, the rates go higher."
According to the research article, "College Student Suicide," by Alan Lipschitz, suicide is not more frequent in any of the four years of college, but it does occur more often in students who take more than four years to earn their degrees.
The article states this probably happens because this group includes many students whose studies were interrupted by serious depression.
College students who commit suicide show different personality traits from nonstudent suicide victims, according to the article.
Most young adults who commit suicide have impulsive, high risk-taking personalities, and the abuse of drugs and alcohol is frequent in this group.
College student suicides, by contrast, are largely depressed, quiet, socially isolated young people who do not abuse alcohol or drugs and who draw little attention to themselves.
According to the article, many college students who attempt suicide feel chronically depressed, worthless and rejected by their families.
They struggle to gain some measure of acceptance and worth through academic achievement or athletic success.
Junior Janette Ronér said school combined with work is a major source of stress but is not worth getting too upset over.
"[School] gives a sense of accomplishment," Ronér said.
aengar@chronicle.utah.edu
