“Lovesickness" often overlooked in student suicide prevention

Madison, Wis.—July 14—When considering how to prevent suicide among traditional-age students, many colleges and universities are overlooking an important facet—difficulties in intimate relationships, more commonly known as “lovesickness.”

So said Gary Pavela, University of Maryland vice president of student affairs for student conduct, in the July 13 Magna Publications audio conference “Student Suicide: Institutional Policy, Liability, and Prevention.”

Although it might sound a bit silly or cliché, unrequited feelings, a troubled relationship, or the end of an intimate partnership can add to the already considerable stress traditional-age students report experiencing, Pavela said. The intense feelings that result from relationship difficulties can be a precursor to depression and suicide.

Students don’t always know that the overwhelming emotions they’re having won’t last forever, Pavela said. As a result, campuses need to help students learn how to cope when relationship difficulties occur and help them understand that they will eventually regain their equilibrium, he said.

Mental health outreach programming can include discussions on how and over what timeline such recovery occurs, Pavela said.

If you missed Thursday's live 90-minute audio conference, you can order the full-length CD plus transcript for $279 by visiting www.magnapubs.com/catalog/cds/597937-1.html.

Magna Publications (www.magnapubs.com) is a leading publisher of newsletters and other information products in the higher education segment. Magna also manages onsite and online conferences on topics of interest to higher education.

For more information please contact David Burns, Publisher, Magna Publications, Inc., at 608-227-8109, or dburns@magnapubs.com.