Suicide is the third leading cause of death from ages 15-24. On average there is one suicide every 16.2 minutes. Males make up 79% of all suicides, while women are more prone to having suicidal thoughts. Each suicide intimately affects at least six other people.

There is always a better option. Suicidal thoughts can be caused by psychological, environmental and social factors. Yes, some teens do have depressing thoughts, you’re growing up, you lose friends, lose family members, have school work and family issues, things happen and the next thing you know, you’re in a bad place and a bad state of mind. I’m not going to tell you it’s normal, and that it’s not common, because no person should have these feelings and feel this way, but I do guarantee that you are not alone.

If you are worried for your friend and/or family member please look at these risk factors and see if they apply:

• loss of a loved one
• loss of job
• lack/trouble sleeping
• low self-esteem
• break up with girlfriend/boyfriend
• family violence
• family history of mental disorder or substance abuse
• recent trauma or life crisis
• physical or sexual abuse.

If these risk factors apply to your friend or family member, they are at a higher risk of depression/suicidal thoughts.

There are also several distinct symptoms and characteristics that you may notice. These characteristics may include:

• excessive sadness or moodiness, long-lasting sadness, mood swings, or unexpected rage.
• Sleeping problems; trouble getting/staying asleep or sleeping too much.
• Withdrawal; choosing to be alone, avoiding friends, the loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
• Sudden change in personality or appearance; change in attitude or behavior, less concerned about one’s appearance, not doing his/her “daily” routine.
• Talk about death or suicide or what it would be like to die.
• Dangerous or self-harmful behavior; doing or partaking in activities that can end in injury or death.
• Threatening suicide; we might not take it seriously at the time of the threat, but we should.

If you or a friend feel this way, I can guarantee you’re not alone in this fight and there are people willing to work beside you and win the battle together. Here at ADM we have a suicide hotline number you can call at anytime 1-800-273-TALK(8255). That is the national suicide prevention lifeline or you can also visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. This lifeline and website is for everyone of all ages and all genders. You can always talk to your school guidance counselors or a trusted teacher to seek help.

You might feel alone, but you’re not. Just speak up and ask for help. Asking is a lot better than holding it all in. If you or a friend or feeling this way, please speak up and talk to your counselors or a trusted and respected adult. Eighty-ninety percent of people that seek treatment for depression are successfully treated.

There is about one death by suicide every 13 minutes. Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 16+ in a given year. Over 38,000 Americans are victims to suicide every year. Only half of all Americans experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts actually seek out treatment. There are two suicides for every 25 attempts. Don’t be another statistic. There are people waiting to help you–go find them.