A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has revealed that the number of college athletes dying by suicide has doubled over the past 20 years, making it the second most common cause of death among athletes after accidents. Researchers found that out of 1,102 college athletes who died between 2002 and 2022, 128 died by suicide, with 98 of those deaths being among men and 30 among women. The average age of these athletes was 20 years old, with ages ranging from 17 to 24.
The study also found that the yearly incidence rate of suicide among male college athletes increased over the two decades studied, from 31 in the first 10 years to 67 in the second 10 years, while rates among female athletes increased from 9 to 21 deaths in the same time period. This increase in suicide rates contrasted sharply with falling death rates among college athletes from other causes like accidents, murder, medical reasons, and unintentional alcohol and drug overdose.
While male cross-country athletes had the highest rates of death by suicide in the study, the researchers stressed that there were no statistically significant differences in suicide rates between sporting discipline, race, or sex. Factors contributing to the increasing suicide rates among college athletes include pressures of school, performance expectations, time demands, injury, athletic identity, and physical fatigue. Additionally, stressors like harassment, abuse within the sport, hazing, and cyberbullying can also impact the mental health of college athletes.
The researchers noted that awareness and training among staff working with athletes, as well as screening to identify at-risk athletes and providing access to health providers trained in sports psychology, could help address the growing issue of suicide among college athletes. However, they also acknowledged that their findings may underestimate the true incidence of suicide among college athletes, as there is no mandatory reporting system for athlete deaths in the U.S.
According to the World Health Organization, around 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year, with suicide ranking among the top nine causes of death for people ages 10-64. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Online chat support is also available for those in need.
