Suicide Prevention Among Students – How TMS and Ketamine Can Save Lives

Though high school and college are meant to be exciting times in the lives of students, rates of suicide among students continue to climb with every passing year. When stressors become too overwhelming or combine with a predisposition for mental illness, many students face suicidal thoughts that can escalate into a crisis requiring urgent help. 

At Serenity Mental Health Centers, effective suicide prevention using advanced mental health treatment options helps students before they reach a crisis situation. 

The risk factors for suicide 

High school and college are difficult transitioning periods for students as they are introduced to social pressures, increased freedom, and demanding academic expectations all within a new environment. These stressors can lead to suicidal thoughts for many students, especially those with a history of mental illness such as major depression or anxiety. Other risk factors for suicide in teens and young adults include:  

• Physical health issues  
• A sense of isolation and lack of support  
• Relationship issues  
• History of substance abuse  
• Poor coping skills  
• Traumatic or stressful life events   
• Prior suicide attempts  

The rising rate of suicide among students 

Suicidal thoughts are common among teens and young adults. In fact, SAVE  recently reported that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-old Americans. In the 2020-2021 school year, around 33% of college students who received mental health services reported that they had considered suicide in the past year (Statista ). This statistic is comparable with high school students, with 20% of students reporting serious thoughts of suicide and 9% reporting a suicide attempt, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness .  

While these numbers are concerning, the latest research in healthcare technology provides students with hope for suicide prevention. 

How advanced treatment options can prevent student suicides 

At Serenity Mental Health Centers evidence-based technology and advanced treatment options offer lifesaving results for students beyond what other doctors can provide.

TMS Therapy

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targets areas of the brain that contri bute to depression and anxiety, providing long-lasting relief for students suffering from suicidal ideation due to symptoms of serious mental illnesses.

Ketamine Treatment   

For students who are experiencing severe suicidal thoughts, ketamine IV infusion therapy  can prevent suicide with a rapid reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms. Many patients see improvement within 24 hours of the first treatment.

Medication Management   

With hundreds of psychiatric medications available for depression and anxiety, it can be difficult for students to find the best one to help manage their suicidal ideation. The expert team of psychiatrists at Serenity Mental Health Centers listens to the experiences, symptoms, and needs of every patient to find the best medication plan. 

Serenity Mental Health Centers works to help students who experience suicidal thoughts reclaim their lives. With flexible hours, insurance-covered treatments, and customizable treatment options, Serenity hopes to help every student suffering from suicidal ideation. 

For more information on TMS therapy and other interventional psychiatry treatments offered by Serenity Mental Health Centers, visit their website or call 844-692-4100 today.