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Response to Kehlani’s Attempted Suicide

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter.

Many gossip site writers, bloggers, and music artists have spoke their mind about artist Kehlani’s recent suicide attempt, which she addressed on her Instagram in a series of photos and captions that were later deleted.

Some say she is “selfish” for trying to take her life. Some call her a “cheater,” “thot,” or worse, for the rumors that may have contributed to the attempted suicide.

I, on the other hand, want to virtually scream at those putting this amazing human being down. Not only is it unfair to put someone down in any instance, but I can’t fathom how these haters believe it’s necessary to kick someone when they are already down.

If you’re going to criticize Kehlani for her attempted suicide, maybe you should read into some more facts:

1.     Nearly 300,000 Americans commit suicide every year.

2.     In the US, suicide rates are highest during the spring.

3.     Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds and second for 24 to 35-year-olds.

4.     On average, 1 person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes.

5.     There is 1 suicide for every 25 attempted suicides.

Kehlani is 20 years old. It’s the spring. And thankfully, her attempted suicide was just that – an attempt.

I’d hope that the pubic will come to the realization that a celebrity posting their feelings and life on Instagram is a norm for our generation. I respect Kehlani for reaching out to her fan base, and I feel so terribly sorry that her messages got in the hands of people who don’t truly love and respect her.

Finally, I’d like to highlight some of Kehlani’s very own lyrics that could be used to help anyone who may be depressed, or contemplating suicide. You can make it through, just as Kehlani did. Here’s what she would have to say to you:

“Remind yourself that you are strong” – What It’s All About (By Kehlani)

“It’s so easy to become caught up in your own life, filled with all of your own problems, can’t even sleep at night. Everyday it’s like a new problem arrives, need to ground yourself, can’t afford to lose your mind. If you wanna know the secret, if you want the best advice come and take a listen. Fall in love with what you find… Go and tell your mama you love her, without her you could not love another.” – Tell Your Mama (By Kehlani)

“But all I’m tryna say is I’m not crazy. I finally know my self worth baby.” – Deserve Better (By Kehlani)

I promise that you will get through whatever your struggles are right now. And to Kehlani, thank you – for exposing the truth of your hardships and opening the discussion of attempted suicide to the public.

Kyra Mackesy graduated The College of New Jersey with a BA in Journalism and Professional Writing and a minor in Criminology in 2019. While at TCNJ, she was an active member of their Her Campus chapter, holding a wide array of positions: President and Campus Correspondent, Editor-in-Chief, Senior Editor, Marketing and Publicity Director, and Social Media Manager. She loved seeing her chapter grow throughout her four years in college, and will remain an active Her Campus Alumni.