Making Student Mental Health a Priority This Week—and All Year Long

Katie Meyer, Stanford. Misrach Ewunetie, Princeton. These are two of the more well-known names of college students who committed suicide last year. Unfortunately, they were not alone—1,100 other college students also committed suicide in 2022, making this the second-leading cause of death among college students in the United States. As an attorney who works with college students facing Title IX investigations and other student conduct violations, I have had several clients attempt suicide, joining the 24,000 other college students who attempt every year.

What can be done?

To raise awareness about this life-and-death topic, education company Chegg has launched the first-ever Student Mental Health Week this week, from February 6-12. Chegg is partnering with several different organizations to raise awareness and let students know they are not struggling alone. The week features mental health programs on campuses, encourages students to intentionally look after themselves, and inspires mental health conversations so that others can learn how to support students struggling with mental health.

Let’s all do our part to address the mental health struggles that college students are facing—not only this week but all year long. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please get in touch with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or going to 988lifeline.org.