World Suicide Prevention Day was September 10, were you aware of it?
Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death among individuals ages 10-24. Often times, the individual who attempts is experiencing severe emotional pain or trauma that can be brought on by mental illness or disorders such as depression and anxiety, although this is not ALWAYS the case. As a society, we create websites and hotlines as resources, prescribe pills and medication, but ignore and look away from the scars on their bodies. We’re turning a blind eye to the deeper pain that’s causing these thoughts and actions and hoping they’ll wake up feeling better tomorrow once the medication kicks in. But that’s the thing, as a nation we are so consumed with who’s running for president, who’s standing on our streets dressed as clowns, and whose dating who in the media that we completely ignore the fact that suicide has become the TENTH leading cause of death in the United States. Keep in mind, eight out of the other top nine causes are medically diagnosed illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
I see people advocating against abortion, drunk driving, and even texting and driving all the time, but don’t see suicide prevention rallies near as often. (Don’t get me wrong, I stand for all of those causes). Suicide is REAL, mental illness is REAL, and the pain that these people are feeling and dealing with is REAL. We’ve all seen first hand what standing up for something you believe in can do (take gay marriage and women’s rights for example), so if suicide among our nation’s youths has become the SECOND leading cause of death in individuals their age, why aren’t more people talking about it?
Suicide isn’t selfish or a cry for help, it’s an escape route from the pain that seems to be all too much for the person feeling it.
Although anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses that increase one’s risk for suicide aren’t as easily treated or prevented, suicide can be. Sometimes, all it takes is a song or a piece of art or a shoulder to lean on to allow the person to find an alternate escape from suicide.
And although there aren’t always signals that can warn you that someone may be thinking about committing suicide, here are a few common signs:
- Insomnia
- Trouble Eating
- Isolation
- Great Change in Mood or Interest
- Talking About Death
College is a key transitional point in an individual’s life, and it brings on loads of stress. In spring 2014, anxiety surpassed depression as the leading mental health issue that faces college students. Unfortunately, although there are resources for individuals who experience mental illness, attempt suicide or have suicidal thoughts, many are hesitant in seeking help and treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self harm, don’t be afraid to seek help:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
UNT Counseling & Testing Services: (940) 565-2741