| Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. |
The primary cause for suicide is untreated depression. Other major factors include ongoing physical pain and stress.
People with depression don't kill themselves to frighten an errant boyfriend.
They kill themselves because it is the obvious and right thing to do at that point.
It is the only positive step they can think of.
Kay McKall, British Medical Journal (NAMI Advocate, winter 2002)
Contrary to popular thought, most people who commit suicide aren't making a "cry for help". They did that long ago... and no-one heard. Many of those who make a suicide attempt are doing it not because they want a fuss made over them, because they're trying to manipulate you, or even because they actually want to die. They do it because, for them, it is the only way to stop the pain they're in. The pain may be emotional or physical, but for them it is unbearable. They have struggled with it for so long, and just can't take it any more.
For these people, suicide is not a choice. It is the choice. They cannot see any other possibilities.
People in the grips of clinical depression often say "I just want it to stop for a while, I can't cope with anything right now". Unfortunately there is no sleeping pill that will give you a couple of weeks off.
Without a good support system, they have nowhere else to turn.