<p>Currently the most read article on The Crimson site; it's a sobering read. Obviously, such issues are not unique to any particular school or institution, or indeed, country. </p>
<p>Nonetheless, thought it would be worth sharing. As an alum and interviewer, when I read the neurotically anxious posts on CC, or when I interact with high-achieving HS students, I sometimes worry a bit about the intense pressure (from both without and within) on the students. </p>
<p>As another admissions cycle draws to a close--only about a month remaining before decisions are out, it's worth taking a step back and reevaluating your priorities. Yes, college is important, but there are other things more important than what school you get into, or didn't get into. Try to think about the things you enjoy doing, reading, watching, listening to etc and think about the people whom you care about and care about you. </p>
<p>With that said, good luck everyone. And relax :)</p>
<p>I think the young student’s recent suicide has brought a focus on this issue. It is sad and almost without exception these thoughts hit even the most active, popular, and accomplished students and make their friends wonder how they could have missed the signs. I hope Harvard is working to teach the student body how to recognize mental health issues in their friends and how to get help for them.</p>
<p>Reading the comments made me wonder…is the majority of Harvard students battling that kind of stress and mental health issues? Or is it still the minority?</p>
<p>As alarming as the op-ed sounds, do put it in perspective. Estimates for depression prevalence in the US is somewhere around 6-8% of adults. Harvard has a total of some 20,000 students including 6,000 students. Like any other population, statistically speaking, there are bound to be people who are prone to developing mental health problems. However, I do think high-pressure, high-achievement environments such as Harvard CAN exacerbate the problem in some people. </p>
<p>@Fatum. I knew a number of very happy people at Harvard. Likewise, I know some very unhappy people here in London. Most people are probably NOT suffering from actual systemic depression at Harvard (though lots of people do develop different levels of stress). However, there is a substantial portion (even if it’s at 5% or 7%) who may have such tendencies…and a responsible campus would do well to see that fellow students/colleagues get the help and attention they need.</p>
<p>A recent study suggests that 12% of American college students experience suicide ideation during their undergraduate years. It’s not just Harvard, and not just selective colleges.</p>
<p>Very moving. In contrast with the “Judaism… more than just a bagel” advertisement that accompanied it.</p>
<p>I hope this helps people. Maybe having the anonymous student’s email address available will make people more comfortable sharing their feelings with someone else. It could also be a group of people who have felt like this trying to help others, speaking through this one student.</p>
<p>Thank you for posting it. I’m glad that the student turned out okay.</p>