Abuzz with activity and youthful energy, college campuses might seem uniquely spared from the dark shadows of depression and suicide. Despair, however, can make its way into the halls of higher education, and some students find themselves struggling with feelings of hopelessness.
Saint Louis University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., has noted his concerns about the mental health of the student body during the semester, which elicits the question: What kind of services are available to those who need it on SLU’s campus?
The issue is all the more relevant in the wake of SLU student Stephen Ringkamp’s suicide two weeks ago, which was confirmed by the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office. What drove Ringkamp to take his own life might never be known publicly, but it hasn’t stopped thoughts from turning toward the issue of suicide and depression on college campuses.
According to www.halfofus.com, MTVU’s new website dedicated to mental health issues on college campuses, 10 percent of students have seriously considered suicide at some point during their college years.
That statistic does not come as a surprise to Phyllis Friedman, Ph.D., who is an associate clinical professor and director of the Psychological Services Center.
“College is a time of life when there are a lot of fluctuations, and, developmentally, people are coming to understand who they are and beginning to make a life for themselves,” she said. “In this period of life, young adults may be vulnerable to feeling hopeless, in that they experience these stresses and have not yet developed successful coping methods for getting through life’s hurdles.”
Biondi agreed, citing the academic, social and private struggles students face at one point or another.
“There are intense challenges everywhere,” he said.
Stumbling blocks such as these can rapidly lead to depression, which SLU Student Health and Counseling Services describes as a whole body illness, involving body, mood and thought. It affects one’s appetite, sleep, energy level, self-worth and perception of the world.
Students should be on the lookout for symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety or “empty” moods; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness and/or helplessness; loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed; appetite and/or sleep disturbance; fatigue; thoughts of death, suicide or suicide attempts; and/or decreased concentration and ability to focus.
While feeling depressed does not necessarily mean a person will become suicidal, students are encouraged to take advantage of the health and counseling services located on campus.
“If a person is feeling at risk [for suicide], the most important thing they can do is talk to somebody,” said Doug Pettinelli, Ph.D., director of the Center of Counseling and Family Therapy at SLU.
He also advised that if anyone receives any hint that someone is considering suicide, they should tell someone immediately, even if they have been sworn to secrecy about it.
“It feels like you’re betraying a confidence, but in that case, it’s very important to do because you may be saving their life,” Pettinelli said.
Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Student Health and Counseling Services, located in Marchetti East. A SLU counselor can also be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 977-2323. SLU students are always welcomed to seek out help for themselves or for others who may be struggling.
“They’re part of your community,” said Biondi. “Reaching out to the people-that’s important.”
