Suicide Rates Among College Athletes Double, Study Finds

The alarming trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and resources for NCAA athletes.

A recent study reveals that suicides among college athletes have doubled over the past 20 years, with the NCAA data indicating a significant increase in mental health issues.
Suicide now ranks as the second most common cause of death after accidents among NCAA athletes, with the highest rates observed in male cross-country competitors.
Researchers highlight the pressures of school, performance expectations, and other stressors as contributing factors to the rising suicide rates among college athletes.
Despite increasing focus on mental health, the incidence of suicide continues to rise, underscoring the need for enhanced mental health resources and support for athletes.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, calls for more awareness, early risk identification, and access to mental health providers trained in sport psychology.