A Princeton University student died by suicide on Tuesday, May 10, 2023, the university confirmed. The student was found dead in their off-campus apartment.
The student’s death is the second suicide at Princeton this academic year. In September 2022, a first-year student died by suicide in their dorm room.
Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey. It was founded in 1746 and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
The university has a long history of mental health issues among its students. A 2019 study found that 30% of Princeton students had experienced depression in the past year, and 12% had seriously considered suicide.
The university has taken steps to address mental health issues among its students, including increasing funding for mental health services and creating a new mental health task force. However, some students say that the university is not doing enough to help students who are struggling with mental health issues.
The university’s administration has been criticized for its handling of mental health issues on campus. In 2019, a group of students filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging that it had failed to provide adequate mental health care to its students.
The Impact of Suicide on College Campuses
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students, after unintentional injuries. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 1,062 suicides among college students in the United States in 2019.
Suicide has a devastating impact on college campuses. It can lead to grief, depression, and anxiety among students, faculty, and staff. It can also damage the reputation of the university.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Suicide on College Campuses?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent suicide on college campuses, including:
- Increasing funding for mental health services. Mental health services are essential for providing students with the help they need to cope with mental health issues.
- Creating a more supportive campus environment. This includes creating a culture of acceptance and support for students who are struggling with mental health issues.
- Educating students about mental health. This includes teaching students about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to get help.
- Encouraging students to seek help if they are struggling. This includes making sure that students know that there are people who care about them and who want to help.
Conclusion
Suicide is a serious problem on college campuses. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of suicide and to know how to get help if you or someone you know is struggling. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent suicide on college campuses, and it is important to work together to create a more supportive and caring environment for students.
Additional Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
- Jed Foundation: https://www.jedfoundation.org/
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/