The clock is ticking, sweat is running down the forehead and the professor watches attentively as the students take their exams. It's exam week, a dreaded time when students cram as much information into their heads as possible and try not to burn themselves out until their semester exams are over. There's not much you can do about stress. At this point, it's inevitable. The stress placed on students while attending college has caused an increase in the number of suicides as well as an increase in cases of depression. Why suicide? Why is this becoming an increasingly common method of escaping the academic, financial, and transitional burdens placed on students? Depression and suicides among college students make more headlines than the more familiar problems of drinking and vandalism that occur on campuses. Suicides are a dramatic way to relieve stress or depression. Although suicides are quite rare, they still represent the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 24 (suicide rate and struggling economy). There are many reasons why these mental health issues are on the rise and why they will continue to occur (Depression, Suicide Rising Among College Students.) Academic pressure is one of the most obvious reasons why suicides and Mental illnesses like depression occur in many academic settings. Most colleges have become and continue to become more competitive every year. This stress alone can send even the smartest student into a spiral of depression very quickly. Not only is there the pressure of peer competition, but there can also be immense pressure expressed by parents (depression, increased suicide among university students.) Culture shock is another fact..... . middle of paper .... ...rly intervention programs. It is imperative that today's college campuses foster an atmosphere of support and open conversation about mental health issues. Without help, some students will view suicide as the only way to escape their emotional pain. Works Cited “Depression and suicide on the rise among students.” Student life. Internet. February 28, 2011. .Peterson, Karen S. “Depression Among College Students Is on the Rise.” » News, travel, weather, entertainment, sports, technology, USA & world - USATODAY.com. May 21, 2002. the web. February 28, 2011. “Suicide Rates and the Troubled Economy.” Star of the Valley. Internet. March 1. 2011.