Suicides are no new subject on college campuses and is the second leading cause of death amongst college students.
According to Mental Health America, a suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person's life.
No matter the race, age or wealth of the person, it is true that most people who attempt suicide have a mental or emotional disorder.
The most common underlying disorder is depression – 30 percent to 70 percent of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar disorder.
According to Johns Hopkins Children's Center, about 1,100 college students commit suicide each year due to stress and depression.
After a study of more than a thousand incoming college freshmen, results show that of the 1,085 students 12 percent say that they thought about committing suicide at least once and 24.5 percent say that they have thought about it repeatedly.
Ten of the 151 students said that they made plans or carried out suicide attempts during college.
N.C Central University's counseling center is willing to help students out the best way they can. Whether it's dealing with stress, depression or anxiety a student is more than welcome to visit the counseling center on campus.
The counseling center is a unit of student health and counseling services within the division of student affairs and enrollment management.
In addition to counseling, faculty members are working to help others, reaching out and participating in outreach programs in the community, working with organizations and giving open invitations to classes for guest speakers.
Sherman Freeman, counselor/instructor at NCCU, has been working in the counseling center for 30 years.
"I wanted to be a part of student development," said Freeman. "Some people think that getting counseling for a mental issue is for a person who is crazy but that is not always the case."
"I recommend any person that is dealing with mental issues to get treatment quick," he said.
Staff members strive to provide services which are non-judgmental and confidential.
They follow the American Sociological Association Code of Ethics and abide by the American Counsel Association.
Studies show that students who may be suicidal are reserved, and socially isolated. Although there are some warning signs that indicate a suicidal person, students need to complete a confidential screening before counselors can go any further so that they know what issues to focus on.
"A student may think it is one thing but could be another or a combination of both," said Freeman.
The counseling center currently has five staff members and is steadily growing. Last year an alcohol & other drug specialist was added the team as well.
For more information on services visit the counseling center on the second floor of the Student Health Building for brochures or visit their website at www.nccu.edu/counselingcenter.
If you know someone that you believe may be suicidal or has attempted suicide please contact the counseling center by email at Counselingcenter@nccu.edu or call 919-530-7646.
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