Teenage suicide on the decline but still an issue for some communities

By Staff Writer

Teenage years can be a stressful time as individuals are beginning to transition from adolescence to adulthood. The combination of puberty and societal pressures can take a toll, and some teens may suffer from a number of issues ranging from depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24. The organization also reports that risk factors for suicide include substance abuse, psychiatric disorders and situational stress. The Foundation notes that the rates of suicide have been declining for this age group since the mid-1990s.

One 17-year-old girl told the NWI Times that the death of her brother, who took his own life, weighed heavily on her, and that she became depressed and overwhelmed. This lead to her attempting suicide. She did not succeed, and now looks back on her attempt as being irresponsible.

She is now preparing for her senior year of high school, and has been speaking to a counselor since the attempt. The young woman acknowledged that the suicide prevention education she received at school has benefits.