Teen Suicide

Teen suicide, a harrowing but realistic cause of death that is consuming our nations youth. Next to homicide and car accidents, taking one's life is the third leading cause of death of teens, ages 15 through 24. Teen suicide is on a rapid rise throughout the us and mostly goes unnoticed until too late. It is important to understand and recognize the symptoms and actions of the suicidal. Causes to make one wish to take one's life are are things such as depression, pressure at school or with friends, and instability at home. Being educated on the causes and aware of teen's behavior can aid in the prevention of this ever growing tragedy. Depression is a common emotion teens feel in the face of everyday challenges. For most this emotion is fleeting, while for others it tends to prevail. For
School work, tests,and jobs can overwhelm teens by piling up countless responsibilities. It does not come as a surprise that teenage students are under a significantly higher amount of pressure regarding school because college is only a few years away. Is this pressure too much to bare? For some its just that. The overload of projects, tests, studying, and homework exhaust students to the maximum levels. A study was shown that suicide rates increased during the school year because students, "face increased stress and decreased mental health when school is in session." Academic strain is not the only pressures teens have to face, but also the approval of their peers. Trying to fit in and be "cool" can take massive amounts of energy and only lead to a self esteem decline. Constant worry about deadlines and facades to keep up with can lead to a teen wanting to give up. The stress of everything can devour a teen's energy causing one to feel worthless and be detrimental to their well being. In effort to relieve the stress and pressure, some teens may turn to substance abuse and may have a noticeable change in