Suicide... Such a big and scary word. Unfortunately, it has become a very familiar word to many silent sufferers.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide has become the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Yes, it is in the top 10 list along with cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure. In 2017, among young people in the 15 to 24 age group, it is actually the second leading cause of death in the United States. Since 2000, there has been 47 percent more suicides among the 15 to 19 age group. In 2017, 1,400,000 people attempted suicide and 47,173 succeeded. Those are very large numbers and they're only the reported numbers. Many cases go unreported because of the stigma associated with suicide.
Our bodies are a trust; we need to remember that life is very sacred and we need to take care of ourselves in the best possible manner. However, sometimes things get a little too difficult to handle and you might find yourself depressed. As a young person dealing with depression, you might find yourself extremely overwhelmed with the feelings that encompass you. You find it hard to speak to anyone and decide to deal with your feelings on your own.
It's okay to have these feelings, but it's also okay reach out for help. It's okay to open up to someone you trust. You don't have to deal with these feelings alone and suffer silently.
If you're not ready to talk to someone you know and trust, that's okay as well.
You can anonymously call, text, or chat with a trained suicide specialist.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1- 800-273-TALK [8255])
You can text them as well by texting the word, "GO" to 741741.
You can also chat with them here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
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Contentment exists and you don't have to live with sadness and depression. Working hard towards the goal of happiness is the first step to feeling better. Reach out for help when you're ready so you can start feeling how meaningful life is.
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