Teenagers and suicide

Teen suicide is becoming an even bigger problem as years pass. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates for girls ages 15-19 doubled from 2007 to 2015, and suicide rates for boys ages 15-19 increased by 30 percent in that same time.

Researchers have acknowledged that suicide may be related to social media usage. Teens will scroll through social media and constantly compare their lives with their peers. They don’t understand that not everything is what it seems, and that no one has a perfect life. Seeing photos day to day of different people hanging out can make teens feel left out or forgotten. These circumstances may seem insignificant, but they can dramatically impact a teen’s self-esteem, which ties into depression.

People often overlook teen depression by grouping them together and believing that their problems are simply typical. This is the worst thing you could possibly do when dealing with someone who might be thinking of suicide. Instead, we need to understand that teens actually do become depressed, and that depression can and has led to suicide.

We all need to be aware of the warning signs so that we can prevent tragedies like this in the future. if you notice that someone is talking about suicide, making statements about feeling hopeless, acting out in their behavior, and suddenly having loss of interest, reach out immediately. Don’t ignore teens. Don’t second-guess yourself. Don’t be afraid to get help. You have the opportunity to save someone’s life.

MADISON BASCO

Alexander