Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. in 2017. Males are more likely to succeed at committing suicide than females. People between ages 55 and 65 are more likely to commit suicide. Interesting, because most people would assume that teenagers would have the highest sucidal rate. 

Suicide, taking one’s own life, is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations, and is even more tragic because suicide can be prevented. Whether you’re considering suicide or know of someone who feels suicidal, learning suicide warning signs and how to reach out for immediate help with professional treatment can help you save a life. What a young person sees as serious and insurmountable may seem minor to an adult, for instance, problems in school or the loss of a friendship. In some circumstances, a child or teen may feel suicidal due to certain life circumstances that he or she may not want to talk about. For example: 

• Having a disorder (depression). 
• Losing/having a conflict with a close friend or family member.
• Any type of abuse (Sexual, Neglect, Self-harm).
• Drugs and/or alcohol can affect this.
• Being bullied in any way.
• Being unsure of one’s sexuality. 

 These are some causes that can lead to thinkng about suicide. 

Some more severe warning signs include: 

• Talking or thinking about suicide (“I’m going to kill myself.” “I want to die.”).
• Planning on taking one’s life (Buying a gun or pills). 
• Isolation (Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone).
• Extreme mood swings (Extremely happy, sad and unmotivated). 
• Increasing doses of drugs/alcohol.
• Out of the ordinary changes  (Sleeping and eating patterns. Eating, or sleeping to much/little. as well with personality. Doing things that they wouldnt noramly do.). 
•  Giving away belongings, or getting affairs in order when there’s no other logical explanation for doing this.
• Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seeing them again. (Writing notes to people, saying thank you and how much they are loved and will be missed). 

These are the major signs you need to start looking out for. As you can tell, they all slowly get bigger and bigger. So if you can relate to a few of these, you are urged to reach out. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through life alone. 

Hotlines that are free to help you!

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Gay and Lesbian National Hotline 1-(888)-843-4564
• Crisis Text Line: Text SUPPORT to 741-741
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-(800)-950-6264
• Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network: 1-(800)-656-4673
• Dating Abuse and Domestic Violence 1-(866)-331-9474

Dear Reader,

Hey, I’m glad that you’re reading this. I just wanted to let you know that you are loved. Even if you feel alone, you really aren’t and you never will be. Your struggles matter to me, and to everyone in your life. Please reach out! Suicide isn’t the only way it gets better, I promise. Just wait. Do your best to see the positivity around you. No, This world would definitely not be better without you. With you here, you make the world a better place, because you are a fighter, and we need fighters! So please stay with us, and continue to smile and laugh, even if some days you don’t want to open your eyes and get out of bed. Thank you for waking up today. I can see you trying! I hope to see you again tomorrow. Keep your head up with a smile, and remember things will get better. This is the sign you’ve been looking for. You are not alone, I promise you that you’re not.