According to the American Psychological Association, “Suicide is the act of killing yourself, most often as a result of depression or other mental illness.” In the United States, it ranks tenth in causes of death (AFSP). Depression has been compared to a person trying to drown a victim, and the victim is almost willing.  The good news is that depression is very treatable, and everyone should realize there is always hope.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death from ages 10-14 years old in the United States. There is an average of 3,041 attempts by young people in grades 9-12 each day in our nation. If teens have depression or suicidal thoughts they can contact the national suicide prevention phone number         (1-800-273-8255) or  for those who prefer to text, the number is 741741. Those wishing to talk to a  counselor or therapist may contact Bryan Kennedy (931-229-7282) or  Laurie Winton (931-283-2694). They’re both located in Manchester.

If teens are in a position where someone they know is thinking about suicide and/or is suffering from depression, please tell someone: a counselor,a teacher, a trusted adult, a parent, or a pastor. 

Works cited:

https://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/index.aspx   (APA)

https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/ (AFSP)

https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-does-depression-feel-like/  

http://prp.jasonfoundation.com/facts/youth-suicide-statistics/