Suicide prevention information for young adults

COLUMBIA — According to the Jed Foundation, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.  

The New York-based foundation, aimed at reducing the suicide rate for college students, states that 18- to 24-year-olds think about suicide more often than any other age group, and one in 12 U.S. college students makes a suicide plan.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder — most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder.

Some warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts or behavior include:

• changes in eating and sleeping habits;

• loss of interest in usual activities;
• withdrawal from friends and family members; and
  
• alcohol and drug use.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call one of the following 24-hour crisis hot lines:

• MU Counseling Center: 882-6601
• MU Health Care: 800-395-2132*

For more information on suicide prevention and dealing with tragedy, go to:

• Missouri Campus Communities that Care at wellness.missouri.edu/Suicide or

• Ulifeline.org, a resource that includes a mental health library, drug database, crisis center information, individual campus health service information and information on how to help a friend.

— Resources compiled from the MU Wellness Resource Center and MU Health Care Web sites.