Stopping Suicides on Campus

Scientific American

Colleges and universities across the U.S. are adopting new methods for addressing mental health issues and preventing suicide on campuses. While traditional approaches have focused on awareness, shame reduction, and access to mental health treatment, suicide rates among students have remained high. This has prompted some schools to consider more novel interventions, such as a crisis service smartphone app, mental health screening kiosks, and light therapy boxes designed to reduce depression and seasonal affective disorder. Schools have also erected physical barriers at campus locations, such as bridges and balconies, to prevent suicide attempts. State legislation requiring increased access to mental health and suicide prevention resources on college and university campuses may result in more widespread use of these new approaches in the future.

Spark Extra! Learn more about suicide prevention at colleges and universities.