Depression CAN lead to suicidal thoughts (but not always).

Teen suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young adults and teens between the ages of 15-24, following unintentional injuries and homicide. In the past two decades the suicide rate among 10-14 year olds has doubled. (familyfirstaid.org)

As the above information indicates, suicide is prevalent among your age group (yeah- even if you are younger than 15: it’s also the 3rd leading cause of death for 10-14 year olds www.cdc.gov). Why is this? With unfortunate past experiences, negative thinking patterns, a lack of support, raging hormones, a brain with uneven developmental patterns and an event that triggers a spontaneous response, unfortunately suicide has been a choice for far too many teens.

SUICIDE IS NOT THE WAY OUT!  

Don’t let Depression lead to such a drastic measure. Know the signs and seek help! 

If you are feeling sad, lonely, confused, easily upset and prone to cry all the time, something is up. And when you feel that way and you’d rather sleep all day than do anything else, you’ve gained or lost weight or you’re having trouble concentrating, then it’s time to ask mom and dad, or someone else, for some help.

Make a list of people that you might consider telling (don’t forget to consider people at school, family friends, religious connections and coaches. Your dog is excellent too, but you do need someone who can give you meaningful feedback), then ponder (meaning think about) which one might be the most helpful or feel the safest to you. If you really are not able to come up with a helpful person then please consider calling a depression hotline.  Here are just a few:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273- TALK (8255)

National Hopeline Network – 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

National Runaway Switchboard Crisis Intervention Hotline – 800-621-4000

You can also text 741741 for help through texting messaging if that feels safer and more your style.  Whatever you do, do it now please.