November 2006

Up for discussion: Suicide among college students

Counseling and Psychological Services trains faculty and staff on how to identify and respond to distressed students. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

National studies indicate that depression and stress are on the rise among college students. In extreme cases, those emotions can lead to suicide. How can parents assess their student's well-being to recognize distress and what should they do?

Emil Rodolfa, a licensed psychologist and director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at UC Davis, suggests touching base with students on three major issues: How do they feel about themselves? Their environment? And their future?

Answers to those questions provide a good window into a student's state of mind.

"Struggling with these questions isn't bad -- it's a normal part of development," Rodolfa says. "But if those answers are filled with negativity, that's a warning sign."

Suicidal thoughts and suicide

Suicidal thoughts occur when students feel that there are no other options in their lives, that their lives are not worth living and they are in emotional pain, Rodolfa says. Many times, a suicidal thought emphasizes wanting to end their emotional pain rather than wanting specifically to die.

According to a recent report on student mental health at UC campuses, about 50 percent of students said they've been so depressed that they've had trouble functioning. Rodolfa says about 10 percent of students at UC Davis said they've considered suicide as an option.

The study lists nine reported suicides of students enrolled at UC Davis within the past five years as determined by the county coroner and reported to UC officials; there were 29 reported within the UC system. To better identify and respond to distressed students, CAPS now conducts ongoing training with faculty and staff across campus.

Emil Rodolfa is director of Counseling and Psychological Services. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

Help for parents

Rodolfa encourages parents to call the counseling center if they need assistance in helping their student take a hard look at who he or she is and what may be contributing to negative views.

Encourage your student to take care of himself or herself, eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and join clubs where he or she can meet students who share similar interests.

"Not everyone needs counseling," Rodolfa says. "But everyone does need to feel connected."

Warning signs that your student may need help are:

• feeling lethargic; not wanting to take care of himself or herself
• a change in attitude from happy and positive to negative
• feelings of isolation, not fitting in or not being connected to others
• trouble sleeping
• changes in appetite

If you see noticeable changes, ask about them, show concern. Care packages are always a great idea to boost your student's spirits. And if negative issues persist, don't hesitate to consult with housing staff or CAPS at (530) 752-0871. The services are free and confidential.

If a student is in crisis, CAPS will act quickly, Rodolfa says.

Additional resources on mental health issues are available at the CAPS resource page for parents.

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