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Campus Health Initiatives

What the Data Show

Survey data provide a quantitative perspective of complex human experiences. While much of the data gathered at Cornell via routine surveys point to typical developmental challenges (e.g., situational depression, anxiety, identity issues), other findings are more troubling, and are reflective of college trends across the country. While suicide is more common among 15-24 year olds not enrolled in college, suicide is still the second leading cause of death among college students. In fact, suicide among youth and young adults has increased more than 200% in the last fifty years. At Cornell, a variety of student data illustrate the need for caring community members to identify and support students in distress.

The Spring 2006 National College Health Association (NCHA) Survey of Cornell University Students revealed that in the last 12 months:

  • 44.4 % of students were “so depressed that it was difficult to function”
  • 49.9% “felt things were hopeless” 
  • 9.5% seriously contemplated suicide
  • 1.3% attempted suicide

These reponses, and those from other campus surveys, reflect national trends regarding student mental health. At Cornell, such data have prompted a variety of mental health initiatives, including: