We’re learning more about the man behind the stabbing spree at the University of Texas at Austin that left one student dead. Authorities say the suspect may have been suffering from mental health issues.
Officials and witnesses say Biology junior Kendrex White walked around campus Monday afternoon, stabbing students. His victims were chosen at random. Now, White is charged with murder.
Authorities added White was recently involuntarily committed in another city.
Mental health is an issue college campuses see across the nation that leaves specialists urging those who believe they may be going through it to seek help immediately.
At Texas Tech, the Student Wellness Center wants to make sure the community knows they have professionals on-hand to help those who may be going through additional stress that could be severely impacting their mental health.
Dr. Klint Hobbs, a psychologist and the assistant director of the wellness center, says the reasons vary for every student, but that violent outbursts like that of White’s are very rare.
“You really see that I think in college students because it’s their pressure cooker point. Their brains are still developing. They come here and are trying to figure out their identity and how they really fit in the world,” said Dr. Hobbs. “There’s also incredible pressure for them to figure out a major, not to spend too much time or money doing that. To determine what they’re going to do for the rest of their lives. All of this combines to create a new pretty intense kind of stress, so we see a lot of depression and anxiety result from that.”
Dr. Hobbs says especially this time of year is when they begin to see students visit the center as result of stress as they prepare for finals.
Students who feel as though they are experiencing stress or suffering from mental health issues are encouraged to come by the center for a walk-in, which is free. The visits are confidential and will not be placed on any school record.
