Suicide at UMD college park today

[Anonymous]

It is horribly sad, I am not sure if this is an appropriate thread on this board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: It is horribly sad, I am not sure if this is an appropriate thread on this board.

I disagree. Events like this can deeply impact students, and it's important to talk about these situations. My DD at another school already texted me about this, having heard about it from her friends at Maryland. Word spreads

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: It is horribly sad, I am not sure if this is an appropriate thread on this board.

It’s not. Imagine if it was your child and people posted what they did including taking a picture.

[Anonymous]

My heart goes out to the family, friends and fellow students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is heartbreaking to hear this news. I just saw that a student at another college (where my son was formerly a student) took their life yesterday. It must be the time of year when stress becomes overwhelming.

I was in a terrifying position with my son about this time last year when I realized that his depression and anxiety had caused him to completely shut down. As a family, we made the difficult decision that he should withdraw from school and come home. My son still has a long way to go to address some of his issues, and on paper, most of DCUM would look down on the path he has chosen. However, I am grateful that my son got help and is with us today. Personally, I am a little proud of myself too for waking up to the fact he lacked the tools needed to persist and that sometimes, the path forward requires stepping back.

I hope that all students and their families who are struggling get the help they need and see hope on the horizon. Obstacles like romantic disappointments and academic failure can be overcome. Death is permanent.

I know so many families in your situation with their college students currently--3 different families (2 boys, 1 girl). The big spike in depression among this age group is real cause for concern. My nephew also had to leave college for a semester and then again, later on. He did graduate last year, but is still struggling. You never would know by the outside. He presents as a happy go-lucky kid--even right up until my sister discovered what was going on inside of him. I was with him a lot for family events and he truly seemed like the most well-adjusted of us.

What you discover is that there are few supports, a shortage of mental health specialists and that there is so much undue shame which there shouldn't be. This is an illness like any other. We need to remove the stigma.

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I've seen the suffering through the eyes of the parents. I wish your son all the best.

[Anonymous]

I really don't think it's just midterms or 'academic stress'. This crisis is real in this age group. up to 30% of college students are suffering from mental health issues. Many, many more than in the past. I know a few that left earlier and some last spring and it had nothing to do with 'exam stress' or grades.

[Anonymous]

First, my deepest condolences to the family. I literally cannot imagine that kind of pain.

I understand that some have felt that the posts here may be perhaps unintentionally disrespectful to the family, and that the posts shouldn't be about anyone other than the family. I understand that viewpoint, but I can also understand that empathy has its roots in our ability to identify with those who are suffering loss. i guess i'm deciding to maybe show compassion all around at a time like this. I get the urge to protect the family, but, honestly, I can't believe anything we write here can add to the pain they're in. Just so awful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is heartbreaking to hear this news. I just saw that a student at another college (where my son was formerly a student) took their life yesterday. It must be the time of year when stress becomes overwhelming.

I was in a terrifying position with my son about this time last year when I realized that his depression and anxiety had caused him to completely shut down. As a family, we made the difficult decision that he should withdraw from school and come home. My son still has a long way to go to address some of his issues, and on paper, most of DCUM would look down on the path he has chosen. However, I am grateful that my son got help and is with us today. Personally, I am a little proud of myself too for waking up to the fact he lacked the tools needed to persist and that sometimes, the path forward requires stepping back.

I hope that all students and their families who are struggling get the help they need and see hope on the horizon. Obstacles like romantic disappointments and academic failure can be overcome. Death is permanent.

You guys have the right priority. I am very glad that you were able to keep him safe through his time of crisis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: It is horribly sad, I am not sure if this is an appropriate thread on this board.

It’s not. Imagine if it was your child and people posted what they did including taking a picture.

Nobody posted about what led up to it. And there are no pictures. The links to Twitter were simply links to the news to say this is what happened.

All of us on this site have students. Whether in high school or college. This is some thing that could happen to any one of us. It's just a reminder to check in with your kids. Make sure they are OK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really don't think it's just midterms or 'academic stress'. This crisis is real in this age group. up to 30% of college students are suffering from mental health issues. Many, many more than in the past. I know a few that left earlier and some last spring and it had nothing to do with 'exam stress' or grades.

They have often been struggling for a while, but triggering events (like a break up) can be a factor also. They need to understand that the current reality will pass. That can be very hard if they have an underlying vulnerability.

[Anonymous]

My daughter is in Hagerstown and walked out shortly after it happened😥

[Anonymous]

Prayers for family and friends. Relevant on this forum and everywhere

[Anonymous]

This is so very upsetting. I wish someone could have noticed and helped the student. UMD needs to contract with tele-health counselors for students for free!! The amount of help at UMD has improved a little, but in 2019 pre-pandemic I was shocked by the serious lack of support!!! My deep condolences to the family and friends of this person.

[Anonymous]

Mental illness is real thoughts and prayers to the family. super sad that a person so young saw only this path.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is in Ellicott Hall which faces the back of the stadium. A student jumped from the top level. I am so shocked and sad for the student and their family.

My daughter suffers from depression and anxiety and this would be my worst nightmare.

My daughter told me. this is very sad and depressing especially for the student's family. My daughter is part of active minds club. She said they have an emergency meeting.