Death is always a morbid topic. However, in order for people to understand more about why people die and what can be done to prevent it, there has to be a knowledge of and understanding of facts many people would wish to ignore.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), among young people aged 15-24 years of age, unintentional accidents such as car crashes lead as the number one cause of death. The second highest cause is homicide, and the third is suicide. Among all age groups, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death, with an attempt made every minute within the United States alone.
It’s believed that at least 25 attempts are made for every completed suicide within this age group, and one is accomplished every 12 minutes. Men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide, and firearms are the most common means by which to commit it, followed by poisoning and then suffocation.
Contrary to popular belief, winter is not the time of year when most suicides occur; actually, it's springtime. It’s speculated that this is because springtime accentuates feelings of hopelessness in those already suffering with it, because their bleak circumstances aren't changing.
So, what does this all mean? People, primarily young adults, are under conditions which pressure and stress them into feelings of depression, solitude, and helplessness. Suicide is not attempted because people wish to die, but rather to escape circumstances which they believe are out of their control or so insurmountable and terrible they feel it is unbearable to endure. Reasons for depression are varied, as every individual struggles with challenges unique to their own life. However, when those challenges make a person feel they cannot possibly prevail, they seek an escape. Sadly, that escape is the “permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
No one should feel so helpless or desolate that killing oneself seems to be an option. One who contemplates suicide does so because they feel alone, helpless, hated, unloved, or shunned by a society in which they feel they do not belong. Human beings thrive off of companionship and affection, whether that's mutual love between friends, family or significant others. Even the most introverted recluse must desire some sort of interaction with others, even if it’s a pet. Regardless, a person who is depressed to the point where suicide seems like an option believes either no one cares, no one can help them, or they are undeserving of help.
People need to be loved. To be loved means we are supported and can constantly tell ourselves we matter, we can do things, and there should never be anyone or anything which makes us think otherwise. We get so absorbed in life with work, hobbies, and commitments that we don’t take enough time to love ourselves or make it known to those we care about that they matter, even if we do so through the little things like inviting a friend over or telling a family member “I love you.”
I write this article to support anyone struggling or who has struggled with depression and feelings of low self-worth. I write this article hoping that if it helps even one person feeling overwhelmed with life, or makes someone be more mindful of their friend who’s looking less upbeat than usual, then I did my job as a columnist. I write this article as an individual who has had their own struggle with depression, and is thankful everyday that I turned back before it was too late.
Regardless of whatever people call you, however they treat you, or whatever challenges you are going through in life, you are special and loved more than you can possibly believe. If you’re struggling with anything that has been bugging you for a good length of time, even if it seems like a small problem, get help. Seek out a counselor, talk to a good friend, call mom and dad and let yourself see just how important you are in the lives of dozens and dozens of people who know you can do things and are willing to help you. Your life is a book, and while you can’t rewrite the pages that have been set in stone, you can write the rest to make it a story worth reading.
