According to Salreno (2017), a licensed physician in the state of New York, in 2020,
suicide was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. between the ages of 10 and 19. Today, in contrast, suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. between these same ages, and many people who have considered or attempted suicide first did so during their youth.
Most significantly, depression and anxiety are prominent causes of suicide for teens and are signs to look out for. Wenhua Lu (2019), professor of Health and Social Medicine at New York University, concurred with Salerno’s claim and acknowledged that, although effective mental health treatments are available, depression is often underdiagnosed and untreated among adolescents. Major depression has reached an alarmingly high level in 2016, affecting 18.1% of US adolescents aged 12 to 19 in their lifetime and 12.9% in the past 12 months. Untreated depression during adolescence can lead to substantial health and social consequences.
Have you ever noticed how scared and frustrated people become when they hear the word "suicide"? This is due to the fact that there is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues and, now more than ever, suicide. Suicide in young people, however, can be prevented. If teenagers are informed about the resources and support available for mental illness, particularly about the fact that millions of other adolescents are also dealing with these issues, they may feel less alone in their struggles and realize that there is always help available.
What exactly does the term "suicidal" mean?
Suicide experiences are extremely complex, and no single explanation exists for why people commit suicide. Nonetheless, there are several risk factors that influence suicide, such as
previous suicide attempts or previous self-harm. Research shows that people who self-harm are at a higher risk of attempting or dying by suicide.
Being unemployed.
Having a physical health problem, including chronic pain.
Living alone.
Having mental health problems.
Bulimia nervosa and anorexia.
Finding Hope
We are fortunate to have a better understanding of mental health and mental struggles today than individuals did decades ago. Remember that mental struggles can be managed and overcome! It is critical to understand that you are not alone. In fact, one in every five Americans suffers from a mental stressor. Many people who suffer from mental struggles, including well-known celebrities, live very successful lives. Connecting with others who are in your situation can give you hope. You will gain insight, acceptance, and invaluable support from them.
*There may not be an obvious reason why someone feels suicidal. But whatever the cause, there is help available!
THE WORLD NEEDS YOU HERE BECAUSE.. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE. YOU MATTER. YOUR SPARKLE IS ONE OF A KIND.
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE! HELP IS AVAILABLE!
If your health is on the line, call 988
*Call to 988 will be connected to the existing National Prevention Lifeline network, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
For LGBTQ+ folks,
TransLifeline: (877) 656-8860
The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386/Text ‘START’ 678-678
Written by
Jose Caballero