We Are Losing Too Many Beautiful People To Suicide

We Are Losing Too Many Beautiful People To Suicide

In 2016, there were more than twice as many suicides (44,965) in the United States as there were homicides (19,362).

Darby Webb
Darby Webb Apr 1, 2019
281
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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people who are ages ten to 34. The first cause is death by unintentional injury. For all ages, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death. This may sound surprising to some, but this is the new norm. Suicide rates for all genders and ages have increased steadily since 1999.

When I first discovered these statistics, my first question was "why?" Why are there so many people, young beautiful people, taking their lives? I guess the most encompassing answer would be due to our modern society.

We are always being placed under constant pressure whether it be socially or financially. There are also other factors, of course, as seen recently with the loss of two survivors of the Valentine's Day attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

However, there are many root causes, in my opinion, that exist because of where we are as a society. By now, social media is king. While social media can be used to connect with friends and family, it has become a market for thousands upon thousands of products whether tangible or not. Someone is always trying to sell you something whether it be looks or a non-existent, unrealistic lifestyle.

In addition to social pressure, access to mental health counseling and support can be very difficult to obtain. Here in Florida, mental health ranks 44th in terms of access to insurance and mental health treatment. Even with insurance, appointments can be upwards of $60. Why don't we treat our minds like the rest of our body? It's just as valuable and more important than most of the other parts of our body, so why don't we treat it as such? Why, when we get physicals, aren't we asked about our mental health?

There is a massive stigma surrounding mental health issues. It's something we don't talk about, generally, with others. We also are prone to dismissing our own problems and putting them off until they develop into a crisis. We are afraid of getting help because of the negative image that frames mental illness. But it's not something we should be afraid or ashamed of. We should be taking care of our minds, our command centers, just as we care for other parts of our bodies.

Many of us know someone who died from suicide and we are familiar with the trauma it inflicts on families. About 6 months ago, we lost a beloved, beautiful girl, Brigette Sullivan, to suicide. She was one to always brighten a room either with her smile, laugh, or presence. She was immensely talented and caring. After her passing, her family created a foundation in her name. Their goal is to not only promote awareness but to also address the mental health uptick and what exactly is driving it.

If you know someone who is struggling, be there for them, and love them. I wish I could have been there more for Brigette.

#lovebetterlikebriggie

The number for the National Suicide Prevention Helpline is: 1-800-273-8255

Darby Webb
Darby Webb Apr 1, 2019
At University of Florida

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To The Girl Struggling With Her Body Image

It's not about the size of your jeans, but the size of your heart, soul, and spirit.

Lauren Margliotti
Lauren Margliotti Jul 5, 2016
694172
views

To the girl struggling with her body image,

You are more than the number on the scale. You are more than the number on your jeans and dresses. You are way more than the number of pounds you've gained or lost in whatever amount of time.

Weight is defined as the quantity of matter contained by a body or object. Weight does not define your self-worth, ambition or potential.

So many girls strive for validation through the various numbers associated with body image and it's really so sad seeing such beautiful, incredible women become discouraged over a few numbers that don't measure anything of true significance.

Yes, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle. Yes, it is important to take care of yourself. However, taking care of yourself includes your mental health as well. Neglecting either your mental or physical health will inflict problems on the other. It's very easy to get caught up in the idea that you're too heavy or too thin, which results in you possibly mistreating your body in some way.

Your body is your special, beautiful temple. It harbors all of your thoughts, feelings, characteristics, and ideas. Without it, you wouldn't be you. If you so wish to change it in a healthy way, then, by all means, go ahead. With that being said, don't make changes to impress or please someone else. You are the only person who is in charge of your body. No one else has the right to tell you whether or not your body is good enough. If you don't satisfy their standards, then you don't need that sort of negative influence in your life. That sort of manipulation and control is extremely unhealthy in its own regard.

Do not hold back on things you love or want to do because of how you interpret your body. You are enough. You are more than enough. You are more than your exterior. You are your inner being, your spirit. A smile and confidence are the most beautiful things you can wear.

It's not about the size of your jeans. It's about the size of your mind and heart. Embrace your body, observe and adore every curve, bone and stretch mark. Wear what makes you feel happy and comfortable in your own skin. Do your hair and makeup (or don't do either) to your heart's desire. Wear the crop top you've been eyeing up in that store window. Want a bikini body? Put a bikini on your body, simple.

So, as hard as it may seem sometimes, understand that the number on the scale doesn't measure the amount or significance of your contributions to this world. Just because that dress doesn't fit you like you had hoped doesn't mean that you're any less of a person.

Love your body, and your body will love you right back.

Cover Image Credit: Lauren Margliotti
Lauren Margliotti
Lauren Margliotti Jul 5, 2016
At Duquesne University

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How To Stay Mentally Healthy In College

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

Emily Janssen
Emily Janssen Jun 10, 2019
446
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Staying healthy in college seems really, really hard to do. Classes, friends, clubs, and the whole fact of living by yourself can create a lot of stress and anxiety. Most students, and people in general, don't really know how to deal with stress or how to take care of themselves mentally, leading to unhealthy behaviors physically and mentally. If you don't take care of your mental health, your physical health will suffer eventually. Here are a few tips and tricks to help take care of your mental health:

1. Eat a well-balanced diet

Eating fruits, vegetables, grains, and other healthy foods will help you feel more energized and motivated. Most people associate eating a balanced diet as beneficial for your physical health, but it is just as important for your mental health.

2. Keep a journal and write in it daily

Writing can be one of the most relaxing and stress-relieving things you can do for yourself. Writing down the issues you are struggling with or the problems you are encountering in your life on a piece of paper can help you relax and take a step back from that stress.

3. Do something that brings you joy

Take some time to do something that brings you joy and happiness! It can be really easy to forget about this when you are running around with your busy schedule but make some time to do something you enjoy. Whether it be dancing, writing, coloring, or even running, make some time for yourself.

4. Give thanks

Keeping a gratitude log — writing what brings you joy and happiness — helps to keep you positively minded, which leads to you becoming mentally healthy. Try to write down three things that brought you joy or made you smile from your day.

5. Smile and laugh

Experts say that smiling and laughing help improve your mental health. Not only is it fun to laugh, but laughing also helps you burn calories! There's a reason why smiling and laughing are often associated with happiness and joyful thoughts.

6. Exercise

Staying active and doing exercises that energize your body will help release endorphins and serotonin, which both act as a natural antidepressant. Keeping an active lifestyle will help you stay happy!

7. Talk out your problems

All of us deal with stress and have problems from time to time. The easiest and probably most beneficial way to deal with this stress and anxiety is to talk it out with a close friend, family member, or even a counselor.

8. See a counselor, peer mentor, or psychologist

Just like it was stated in the previous point, it is beneficial to talk out your problems with a counselor. We all have issues, and it is OK to ask for help.

Keeping up your mental health in college can be a struggle, and it may be hard to even admit you are not mentally healthy. This is OK; you are not alone. If you want to see a psychologist or would like to learn more about mental health, there are resources. You can also take a self-assessment of your mental health. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Emily Janssen
Emily Janssen Jun 10, 2019
At Miami University

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