Suicide a concern for some colleges

By Chris O'Connell

In the wake of three suicides on the campus of New York University in the first two months of school, the Counseling Center at Santa Clara is taking steps to recognize signs of depression and prevent such a tragedy from occurring here.

"Suicide rates are lower among college students than people of the same age outside of school," said Larry Wolfe, Ph.D., director of the Counseling Center.

But Wolfe added that a survey compiled by the Wellness Center two years ago indicated that 18% of students said they had suffered depression at one time during the school year.

Wolfe said there are two fundamental causes for depression: imbalances in biochemistry and environmental effects.

Those suffering from chemical imbalances may feel depression for unrecognized reasons, but Wolfe said most cases of depression are triggered by outside factors.

According to Wolfe, a large portion of the students treated for depression at the Counseling Center feel anxiety about relationship breakups, grades or being new to Santa Clara.

"There is help available," said Wolfe.

In terms of staffing, seven clinical staff psychologists and two interns at the Counseling Center provide support to students. Community Facilitators (CFs) are also trained to recognize signs of depression and suicidal behavior.

Wolfe believes that teachers, parents, and friends should also play an important role in spotting depression in students.

One student deals with sadness and depression in his own way.

"There have been a lot of deaths in my family lately, sometimes I feel down about it," said senior Joseph Atulugama. "But as long as I have family and good friends to turn to, I don't let my emotions get too bound up."

Wolfe said that students are more open to the option counseling than ever before, partially as a response to the increase of therapeutic self-help books, television shows, and periodicals.

"We're grateful that there have been no suicides at Santa Clara for a long time," Wolfe said.

Wolfe said some signs of serious depression may include the loss interest of pleasure in life, over or under-eating, sleeplessness, constant fatigue, feelings of insecurity, forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.

The Counseling Center, located in Benson 201, offers free sessions with licensed therapists, including individual and group therapy.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (408) 554-4172.

Contact Chris O'Connell at (408) 554-4546 or at coconnell@scu.edu.