College is said to be the best four years of a person’s life. Students live within walking distance of close friends and they get to study what they love. There are also many opportunities to get involved through clubs, sports or Greek life.

However, according to the American College Health Association, nearly half of all college students report feeling so depressed at some point in college that they have trouble functioning.

If left untreated, depression can lead to suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among college students. Also, in the months of March and April—even as the sun begins to warm the campus and students gather in mass on the quad—suicide attempts in the U.S. peak.

"Spring is definitely a higher rate for suicide," said Edward Bujdos, Albion College professor of psychology. "People who have been depressed all winter see the weather changing and others who are excited for the coming of spring and warm weather and they realize that they still feel just as depressed as they felt during the harsh winter months."

Statistics and symptoms

Also, people ranging in age from 15 to 24 are at a higher risk for depression than the rest of the general population.

While there are a variety of symptoms that can indicate depression or even suicidal tendencies, Bujdos cited some examples specific to college students.

"Men tend to drink it away," he said. "It is easier for guys to say, ‘I am an alcoholic’ rather than, ‘I am depressed.’ Women who tend to be unsure or uncertain about major things in their lives have a higher tendency to be depressed or suicidal."

According to Dean McCurdy, professor of biology, "Albion is not exempt from the problems of depression and suicide. You are on your own for the first time when you are a freshman and thrown into a new environment.

"You are pushed more and expectations that students set for themselves or from parents could push students over the edge."

Real-life story

A variety of things stress college students each day, ranging from pressure to get good grades to trying to get along with their roommate(s). Sometimes these are issues the student is facing for the first time, which can be overwhelming.

For one Albion College student, who requested anonymity, this stress almost became fatal. Finals were approaching and the student’s closest friend and roommate decided to move out. The student had to move out, too, before finals.

"I was very sad and no one seemed to notice," the student said. "I did try to hurt myself. Too much was going on; too much change was happening and I really felt like I was losing control on what was going on around me."

A friend realized what was happening and called the Albion Department of Public Safety. ADPS officers came and pounded on the student’s door until they got in. The student ended up in an emergency room and a month later had $1,500 in hospital bills.

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, college students can play a huge role in preventing suicides among their peers.

"College students have their own culture and language," reads the Suicide Prevention Resource Center Web site. "You may know your college friends better than their own parents do. And you may be able to tell that something is wrong with one of your classmates when the professors and faculty advisers can’t.

"You can use your insights to help your friends and classmates find help when they are having problems."

The aforementioned student had words of advice for other students who may be considering suicide.

"Find a friend to vent with," the student said. "I’ve found the release in that is very helpful. I also say to join a group or activity that keeps your mind busy and your body involved in something other than sitting in your room.

"I came to the realization myself that college was always going to be this stressful and now I know that in two more years it will all end. The stress may build up, but I have found ways to deal with it in a more ‘body friendly’ manner."

Counseling services

One option available to students who are experiencing suicidal feelings is counseling services.

"A lot of our students have had relatively privileged lives and in college they are likely to encounter some of the toughest issues and situations that they have ever had to face," said Trisha Franzen, women’s and gender studies professor. "I would imagine that almost every faculty member has referred a student to counseling services."

Conveniently located in a house across the street from Wesley Hall, counseling services is within walking distance from anywhere on campus. The interior of the house is arranged comfortably, with a striped couch and private rooms for counseling.

There are eight staff members at counseling services, including a registered dietician and a psychiatrist who is there one full day every other week. There are also three interns.

"If you are concerned about a friend, you can come to counseling services yourself and we can give you advice," said Kirsten Elling, assistant dean and director for counseling services. "Make sure your friends know about counseling services and offer to walk there with them.