Depression and suicide amongst college students. Is there a correlation between depression and suicide amongst college students and if so is social support a variable?

Abstract

Depression and suicide represents two of the most contemporary issues that face our society. Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder connected with suicide. After accidents and homicides, suicide has become a critical national problem and the extent of this is huge. Depression can affect anyone at anytime of his/ her life and college students are not exempt from depression. Going to college is no doubt considered a transition period for an individual and if the supports are not in place it can be one of the factors that can lead to depression and once again untreated depression can lead to suicide. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between depression and suicide among college students and also, if so, whether the level of social support is a factor that can contribute to this.