High School Headaches: Suicide

Suicide is defined as the act of intentionally causing ones own death. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause in death for people of ages between 14-25. 

In the last 10 years the rate of suicide for those aged 14- 25 has gone up around 56%, according to CDC. Recently, the massive difference in the suicide rates of males to females has also started to slim down. While the rates are still higher among males, the rate for females has started going up by almost double that of males. 

One study from Harvard University is saying that the rate for American males aged 14-24 is the highest that it’s been since 1960. 

Researchers on this subject have yet to find a definite cause or a definite solution for this issue; however, there are two things that stick out the most. The first being the recent increase of social media, and its effect on the lives of youth that rely too heavily on the opinions of either strangers or peers commenting things they would never say in person. The second is an opioid crisis, in which coroners looking into the deaths of poisoned people can’t identify the deceased’s intent to tell if an overdose was an accident or intentional. 

While there are methods to combat suicidal thoughts and actions, the major problem with these techniques is that they require the victim to either come forward wanting help, or for their symptoms to be recognized and reported. 

If you have these terrible thoughts, are making attempts, or are just depressed, don’t be afraid to talk to the people around you. It may seem like there’s no one in your life that cares or that would be affected if you just disappeared, but that’s wrong. The people around you care. Grab somebody, sit down with them, and talk for the sake of yourself and those whose lives that you’ve affected, just talk to someone, and if you think you can’t find anyone, call the Prevention Hotline. More people than you think care. 

1-800-273-8255