Video: Suicide 2nd Leading Cause of Death in College Students

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Life as a college student can be pretty stressful at times, leading to feelings of isolation, depression and even suicide.

“They’re stressed out. They’re trying to fit in. They’re trying to graduate. They have so much pressure on them to be the best that they can be while also trying to have a social life and try to fit in with everybody,” says MSU student, Doshua McCray.

According to the American College Counseling Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and untreated depression is the number one factor. Each year about 1,100 college students take their own lives. Some students say they’re surprised that other students take such an extreme measure.

“When you come to college, you’re looking for your future and what you’re going to do the rest of you’re life and you normally don’t think about ending your life. Normally, you have hope in your future and you’re kind of excited about it,” says Shelton Peoples, a MSU Sophomore.

A 2012 study by the ACCA found that 37.4 percent of college students seeking help have severe psychological problems, up from just 16 percent in the year 2000. So far this school year, MSU has had two suspected student suicides.

If you’d like more information on how to help someone who could be at risk of harming themselves, call 1-800-SUICIDE.