According to the National Institution of Mental Health, suicide is one of the leading causes in death. Suicide Prevention Month is to spread awareness and information on suicide and the warning signs.

An anonymous student shares that anyone could be struggling, even if it does not  look like it. They suggest, “Sharing personal experiences may help others come out ,share theirs, and get help.”

Many teenagers feel that they can’t talk to anyone about how they are feeling. Maddie Nilan, a senior at Oakdale, says that offering help can truly  make a difference. She states, “Encouraging [people who are struggling] to do things like seeking help and communicating Offering help can mean a lot to someone.” 

According to an article from Hart and Richman, studies have shown that people who use suicide-related humor are more likely to have lost a loved one to suicide or experience suicidal thoughts. Even though making jokes might seem harmless, it can be interpreted as hostile and damaging for those who are suicidal. 

Nilan shares, “I hear a lot of jokes when people out there are actually suicidal. You don’t know who is suicidal or who is just making jokes and it’s not something that anyone should joke around about since it has affected so many people and their loved ones.”

Some people spread awarness by creating and sharing helpful posts about suicide on social media platforms. 

An anonymous student shares that anyone could be struggling, even if it does not look like it. They suggest, “Sharing personal experiences may help others come out, share theirs, and get help.”

It’s important to acknowledge and talk about suicide. Talking about it can reduce the risk rather than increasing it. It can be hard to see the warning signs and it can happen to anyone. The anonymous student states, “We never know what someone is going through or thinking, which is why I think people should take it seriously whenever someone is asking for help.” 

Being there for someone can really make a difference in their life. Acknowledge their presence and make them feel heard. If you know someone who is dealing with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing them yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.