Suicide

Did you know that suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people ages 15-24? Suicide among teens often happens after a stressful event like a death of a loved one, a divorce or a break up with a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Depression is a major risk factor for suicidal behavior!

In the book Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper the main character Andy committed suicide. He didn't know any other to get rid of the pain he was feeling. Andy was just so depressed and he didn’t talk to anyone about it. He found his father's gun and just killed himself without any goodbyes.

When a teen commits suicide everyone is affected. Friends, family, teammates, teachers, and many more people will be affected. Just like in Tears of a Tiger all of Andy friends just wanted to know why. Why he did it? Why didn’t he talk to anyone about his thoughts of suicide? Why didn’t he have the strength to “stay”?  Why?

           Most suicidal attempt teens say that they tried to kill themselves because they were trying to escape from a situation that seemed impossible to deal with. They didn't want to die as much as they wanted to escape from what was going on. And at that particular moment dying seemed like the only way out.

If you think somebody you know might be planning a suicide attempt there are often some signs. They are talking about suicide or death in general, talking about "going away", referring to things they "won't be needing," and giving away possessions. In addition talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty, pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out, having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities, having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly, experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits and engaging in self-destructive behavior.

If you have been thinking about suicide, get help now. You can talk to someone you can trust, but just make sure you just keep everything inside. Talk to someone who will listen openly and without judgment. Let Go! Depression is powerful. You can’t wait and hope that your mood might improve.