"Many students lack acceptance of internal events like sadness, anger and anxiety," says Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., of the University of Nevada at Reno. She sees such widespread problem behaviors as drinking and self-cutting as attempts by students to dissipate sadness and anxiety.
College mental health directors report that the last four years has seen a "huge upswing" in students engaging in self-mutilating behavior, cutting their wrists or burning their hands. Says Rivier's Graesser. " It's the best coping mechanism they can come up with. Most are seeking relief from unpleasant affect."
If you haven't read it, pick up a copy of Miriam Grossman's book, Unprotected where she lays out exactly why she thinks we see such a high increase in depression and self harm behaviors on campus. What are your thoughts? Why do you think that college is such a dangerous time for people?