Suicide in College Student Athletes

Abstract

There are original situation concerning the onset of disease and symptoms in psychiatric disorders in athletes. Taking into consideration, athletes may have processes to suicide all their own. In this article, the author tried to clarify characteristics of suicide in athletes through the analysis of the suicide rate and the case of suicide victim in collegiate athletes.

Suicide rate in collegiate athletes tended to be lower than that in college nonathletic students. Especially in team sports, the feeling that athlete mentally ill did not want to give teammates troubles might lead him hesitate to be treated and deny his falling ill, finally following his increase of self-reproach, which was greatly influenced by Japanese original culture.

Finally the author proposed the strategy to prevent suicide in athletes. He referred to the importance of the roll of athletic trainer and team physician who would accept consultations from injured athletes.