I have no catchy title to draw you into reading this article - there are no nifty phrases. I want to take this time to inform you all about a serious subject which I feel everyone needs to be more educated about. Suicide. Many people in today’s society deem suicide as selfish or an act only attempted by “very sick people.” In reality, having thoughts of suicide isn’t out of the ordinary for those under stressful living conditions or other pressures. Many also suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. Oh, but let’s not forget that some label suicide as rare and “something that would never happen to my child or my classmate.” According to sources, suicide is the third leading cause of death for those between 15 and 24 years of age in the U.S. - contrary to popular belief, suicide is not a rare occurrence. Four out of five teens who attempt suicide show warning signs; it is very important to be aware of these signs so you can potentially help those around you. Some of the more common warning signs include:

• Drastic changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Increased anxiety or agitation
• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Reckless behavior, acting without thinking
• Dramatic mood changes
• Threats of harming oneself
• Lack of interest in activities he/she once found enjoyable

You may wonder how you can help someone who deals with suicidal thoughts. One of the most important things to remember is to be non-judgmental; developing opinions does not help the situation. In truth, the last thing the person wants to hear is how important living is. Be willing to listen. Accept his or her feelings; they want to know that someone cares and is eager to be there for them. Offer hope and assure them that other alternatives do exist and are worth looking into. The best thing to do for a friend who’s struggling is to advise them to seek help, and in the mean time, express your concerns to a family member or counselor. Although being a listening ear for someone thinking about suicide may be helpful for the time being, there comes a time when professional help is needed.

If you find yourself considering suicide, I urge you to reach out and initiate a conversation with someone, whether it is a parent, a family friend, pastor, professor, or school counselor. All of these adults are equipped with the knowledge to provide you with help, resources and support. You may think to yourself, “But there is so much stigma attached to mental health these days, and that’s why I haven’t gotten help.” Yes, there is still much judgment surrounding suicide, depression and other issues concerning mental health. Despite this fact, there comes a point where you have to decide if you will dwell on others opinions regarding the situation or if you will begin to head down the road to recovery. Indeed, it is scary. Trust me, I know. It’s normal to be scared about telling someone about those innermost emotions and thoughts, but any trusted adult will have your best interest in mind. If you prefer not to bring up the topic to someone you know, calling the National Suicide Hotline is always an option; it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and provides services in both English and Spanish. The call(s) is/are completely confidential, and volunteers are highly trained in order to provide you with support.

Please do not be afraid to reach out and get help. Although it may be scary at the time, once you come to the realization that people do care and you learn to cope with thoughts and feelings, it becomes much less scary. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member and their wellbeing, pursuing help is the best thing you can do for them.

Remember: the dark night makes stars shine their brightest. You are a glistening star in the realm of a dark time; one day the brightness will overwhelm you, and you will appreciate the darkness.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255