By Amanda Velasco, Staff Writer
In today’s society, there are a lot of students going through depression, anxiety, stress and many other problems. According to The Jason Foundation, a non profit national parent resource program, more teens have died from suicide than cancer, heart attack, AIDS and strokes.
What are teens going through that makes them not want to live anymore? Why don’t they feel safe or happy?
Indian Trail High School & Academy students and teachers recently weighed in on the problem.
“In my perspective, students who tried to attempt suicide are students who might not have real love or have someone to listen to them,” said Jacqueline Andrade, an Indian Trail High School & Academy junior.
“Also they can’t find their answers to their problems because they don’t open up to someone. If they talk to me, I can hear them and I’ll do anything to help that student,” Andrade said.
What makes students feel anguished, lost or perhaps not welcome in society today?
“Students who feel anguished, lost and not welcome in today’s society are students who sadly suffer lack of love. It could be any love, but that’s the problem, they don’t have any type of love or care,” said Branndon Rico, an IT senior.
According to the Jason Foundation, each day in our nation, there are an average of over 3,470 suicide attempts by young people grades 9-12.
What is some advice for teens who are suicidal? What can be done to prevent them from harming themselves?
“My best friend was suicidal. She had no one by her side, not even me. As a friend who has experienced this. I recommend being patient, calm, because you can never know when someone is planning suicide. It could be any minute or even seconds. Also, if you don’t know what to do, just be there for them. They need someone to talk to, to hear them out,” said Isis Vences, an IT senior.
According to the Jason Foundation, four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs.
Talking to a therapist, family and friends is a healthy option for students struggling emotionally.
“I recommend they talk to someone who won’t judge, who will understand you,” said Jonathan Dominguez, an IT senior.
Staff knows students who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
“Yes, I do know students struggling with suicidal thoughts. I actually know several students, but I don’t treat them differently. I treat them like the rest of my students because I don’t want to single them out or make it more stressful for them, but I remind myself that they’re going through difficult situations,” said Julie Weavel, an IT English as a Second Language teacher.
“You really don’t know for sure if a student is suicidal, but as a teacher, I can tell by their body language or how they act around their peeps if they’re having a bad day,” said Weavel.
“I would say to them to find an adult that they trust and seek help because there is always help available. It is never impossible to find help,” she said.
Students who may be feeling suicidal should contact their school counselor or call the CRISIS hotline at 657-7188 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.