Suicide Prevention
BY FALLON COLLAZO and JAYDEN KOEHLER— Staff Writers and Videographers
Many secondary schools are unsure how to address the subject of suicide. Suicide should be a widely publicized topic because it is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Many teenagers are unsure how to express how they are feeling because they are afraid of not receiving the treatment they require, as well as the belief that no one understands what they are experiencing.
Every year, we lose roughly 48,000 people to suicide, but in the last three years, those numbers have doubled and even tripled. When it comes to suicide and suicide attempts, demographic characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, and race play a role. Suicide, however, affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
The most frequent ailment is depression, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase the risk for suicide.
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Many people look over the warning signs. Some warning signs include talking about killing themselves, talking about harming themselves, or talking about how they feel hopeless and have no reason to live. They may also say that feel like they are a burden to others, feeling trapped, and having unbearable pain. They may not come to you about how they feel or talk to you about it, but there are behavior signs as well. Some behavior signs include increased use of alcohol or drugs, Withdrawing from activities, Isolating from family and friends, Sleeping too much or too little, and visiting or calling people to say goodbye. Even if someone looks like the happiest person you never truly know what someone is going through.
If you need help or are seeking it, remember you can always go to someone trusted. It doesn’t have to be a guidance counselor or teacher or trusted adult. It could be a friend, sibling, or anyone you trust. It is not always the best to keep it all in. If you are struggling, it’s okay to open up because alot of people understand how you feel and they could help you.
If you’re seeking help, remember every hotline is free, confidential, and is open 24/7!
Hotlines
Safety Hotline: 1–877–955–5247
Safe2Say: https://www.safe2saypa.org/
Suicide Hotline: 800–273–8255
LGBTQ+ HOTLINE FOR Suicide: 1–866–4-U-TREVOR
Youth Crisis Hotline: 1–800–448–4663
