The study highlighted in this article sheds light on a concerning trend of increasing suicide rates among college athletes, with suicide becoming the second most common cause of death after accidents among the group. The researchers found that a total of 1,102 college athletes died between 2002 to 2022, with 128 of those deaths being by suicide. The majority of these deaths were among men, with ages ranging from 17 to 24 and an average of 20 years old. The researchers also noted that the yearly incidence rate of suicide among college athletes has been on the rise, particularly among men.
The study pointed out several factors that could be contributing to the increasing suicide rates among college athletes. Pressures of school, performance expectations, time demands, injuries, and athletic identity were among the factors mentioned that could impact the mental health of these athletes. Additionally, issues like harassment, abuse within the sport, and cyberbullying were highlighted as potential stressors for college athletes. The emergence of social media and name and likeness deals in the NCAA were also noted as factors that could compound these issues for some athletes.
The researchers emphasized the importance of awareness, training, and screening among staff working with athletes to address the growing issue of suicide among college athletes. They also mentioned the need for access to health providers trained in sports psychology to support at-risk athletes. However, the researchers noted that their findings may underestimate the true incidence of suicide among college athletes due to a lack of mandatory reporting system for athlete deaths in the U.S. This makes it difficult to assess the impact of measures put in place to protect athletes.
Suicide is a significant public health issue globally, with around 700,000 people dying by suicide each year according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S., suicide was responsible for more than 48,000 deaths in 2021, making it one of the top nine causes of death for people ages 10-64. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is important to raise awareness about mental health issues in college athletes and provide them with the support they need to prevent further tragedies.
