By: Kendall Zuniga
In the month of September we raise awarness on the issue of suicide. A topic not commonly shedded light upon due to the fear of it influencing others into committing the act but that’s not the case at all. Every day, more than one hundred thirty suicides occur, the numbers are continuing to rise as time passes. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Every nintey minutes a person between the ages of 15 and 24 commit suicide. The suicide rate has increased by 35% since 1999, 4.8% of suicides are adults, 11.8% are young adults (ages 18-25), 18.8% are high school students, and 46.8% are LGBTQ+ high school students.
When asked why people commit suicide there are many answers, bullying, mental health, and someones identity are just some of the reasons why people commit the act of ending their life.
But in recent years we have started to become slightly more aware of the symptoms of those who are thinking of committing suicide.
Social media and the entertainment industries have recently started shining a light on this dark subject everyone is usually afraid to speak about. Movies and tv shows such as “all the bright places” and “13 reasons why” show us just a glimpse of how suicide and mental illnesses can not only effect yourself, but others.
Before making a permanent decision take these things into consideration:
How do you think this will affect those around you?
What are the long term effects if the attempt fails?
How would you truly feel if the attempt failed?
If you or someone you love are thinking about harming yourself or are possibly thinking about suicide, talk to somone you know and trust such as a parent, guardian, or school counselor.
You are not alone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
The Trevor Project(LGBTQ+): 866-488-7386 (24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text SUPPORT to 741-741
Last Names A-F: …………………………. Sarah Evans sdevans@pisd.us
Last Names G-M: ……………………….. Marsha Leach mdleach@pisd.us
Last Names N-Z: …………………………. Amanda Hardy ahardy@pisd.us