Suicide Risk and Ideation within Higher Education

Introduction The American Psychiatric Association reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death for persons fifteen to twenty-four years of age (APA, 2009). Even more frightening, the Jed Foundation reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death for college-aged students (The Jed Foundation, 2010). Sadly, these population groups are highly susceptible to depression and other mental health ailments. Higher education policy makers and university administrators should make it a priority to increase access to mental health services and expand understanding for the growing mental health needs of college students. Without raising awareness, developing interventions, and effectively addressing the social problem of suicide within higher education, the mental and physical well being of college students may be jeopardized during this critical adjustment period in the life course. Therefore, in light of current initiatives, it is proposed that more needs to be done on both systemic and social work practice levels in higher education to reduce barriers and expand current service models for student needs.