Content warning: This article contains sensitive information about suicide. If you are in crisis, please consider calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or dialing 988.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed a disturbing increase in suicide among college athletes.
Of all student athletes, male Divsion I and Divison II cross-country runners — my demographic — had the highest rate of suicide.
The study sought to dive deeper into the rising suicide rate in teens,young adults and, specifically, that of NCAA athletes.
The results? “Over the last decade, suicide was the second most common cause of death after accidents. The proportion of deaths by suicide doubled from the first 10 years (7.6%) to the second 10 years (15.3%).”
CNN Health covered the study, and took the time to find their own answers.
But, as a member of this most affected demographic, I’m here to offer some of my own insight.
From the data collected, the study found multiple noteworthy stats:
The most suicides occurred at age 20 (26%)
This signifies the middle of most students’ collegiate career. Reaching the “mid-life crisis” of your college career could lead to increased levels of stress and self-doubt.
Some college athletes are only given a small window of opportunity to show results in performances. The pressure of producing results can weigh heavily on their mind.
Mondays (20%) and Tuesdays (20%) were the days in which the most suicides occurred
While small, the absolute difference compared to the rest of the days of the week is still visible.
For student athletes, the beginning of the week serves as a wake up call. Most college athletic events, games and performances occur on weekends. The beginning of the week signals the return of school and the clash of priorities. I’ve had competitions last for the entire weekend, leaving me with minimal time for school work.
The summer months had a significantly smaller mean in suicide deaths compared to other months
June, July and August — months typically without school or competitions — had a mean suicide rate of 6.7 deaths per month. That’s a much smaller number than the 12 deaths per month over the entire study period.
Without the direct stress of any performance-based evaluations in the classroom or on the field, summer offers a bit of a “brain break” for student athletes. This is the best time for us to take time and work on ourselves.
For a population thought to be one of the healthiest physically, we’re paying the cost mentally. Student athletes suffer from an additional amount of stress compared to the average student. The fear of mediocrity, the stress of classes and the weight of all the eyes of the people watching is intense.
For some people, scholarships are on the line. The pressure to perform well bears heavy on the minds of athletes, financially secure or not. A bad game, a failed test or a missed homework assignment — all while being away from home — adds up.
That BJSM study concludes: “Despite recent increased focus on mental health in athletes, death by suicide is increasing. Additional mental health resources including efforts to raise awareness, screening for early risk identification, training coaches and support staff on how to identify athletes at risk and providing access to mental health providers trained in sport psychology are examples of ways to help prevent suicide in this population.”
Editor’s note: Warning signs that someone may be considering suicide include wanting to die, feeling like a burden, strong feelings of guilt or shame, hopelessness, extreme sadness or anxiety, researching methods of death, withdrawing from friends, extreme mood swings, increased drug or alcohol consumption, taking dangerous risks and more, according to the National Institute of Health.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health emergency or an after-hours concern, call University Police immediately at 716-645-2222. If you are stressed or in need of someone to talk to, contact UB’s Counseling Services at 716-645-2720. If you are in a crisis situation, contact Crisis Services of Western New York’s 24/7 hotline at 716-834-3131. Students can also text the Crisis Text Line by sending “GOT5” to 741-741.
Evan Hilbert is an assistant sports editor and can be reached at evan.hilbert@ubspectrum.com
Evan Hilbert is an assistant sports editor at The Spectrum. He also is a three-season student-athlete with UB’s DI cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track team. He’s a fan of the Milwaukee Bucks, Newcastle United F.C., and the Buffalo Bills.
