Synthesis Essay On Suicide

Research Synthesis On Friday, January 11th, students from the Waukee metro mourned the loss of their fellow classmate Drew Lieneman, 18, after he took his own life. Although Drew was the captain of the football team, a respected leader at Waukee high school, and a friend to many, he suffered from a burden of “loneliness” and “isolation” according to an interview with his parents on the Channel 13 News. Drew was not the only teen to take his own life during this 2015-2016 school year. Luke Anderson, another student who attended the Waukee and Dowling school district, also committed suicide a few months later. Through the devastation and mourning, one may question why suicide occurs, how people can prevent it, and what can be done to provide
In this case, an underdeveloped frontal lobe, otherwise known as the “CEO of the brain, determines most aspects of learning, moral intelligence, abstract reasoning, judgment, and strategizing” (193). Since the frontal lobe has a huge impact on individuals, undeveloped parts of the brain can result in impulsive decisions, bad choices, and even suicide. In addition to parts of the brain that are not entirely mature in adolescents, drugs and alcohol can also cause youth to be impetuous. Jane E. Anderson, the author of “Brain Development in Adolescents: New Research Implications for Physicians and Parents in Regard to Medical Decision Making,” discusses how “adolescents who experiment with marijuana have documented 8 point lower IQ as adults compared to those who have never used marijuana” (194). These scientific findings conclude that drugs and brain stimulants can damage the brain when used at a young age. Marijuana and alcohol continue to have everlasting effects on brain development and decision making skills resulting in kids to consider suicide during
In that same interview from Channel 13 News, Drew’s parents “said that they want to share Drew’s story in hopes that it will encourage other teenagers to seek help” (Terrell). In the midst of their trials and suffering, they understand that Drew is another victim of suicide and that others need to be saved. Their outreach efforts were expressed with love and it had a huge impact on the Waukee School district as well as others affected by these unexpected