Today’s youth are dealing with the pressure to put on a mask and pretend that their pain is non-existent. Suicide has become more prominent among the youth because they have been drained of their hope. Suicides rates in youth have recently reached an all time high in two decades. In 2017 there were 5,016 deaths in males and 1,225 deaths in females due to suicide  and the numbers contiune to grow. Studies show that suicide is the second leading cause of death among children and teens ages 10-24 and the third leading cause of death in 12 year olds. Suicide should not be an option of dealing with suffering, life is is the ultimate game that only has one level once you die their is no starting over. Something must be done so that the entity of death can only be revealed to our lifelines only when we have lived a blissful existence not when we feel our hearts should be stopped. 

People need to be more aware of the signs of depression and suicidal ideation to be able to seek treatment for themselves or help someone else be provided with treatment. Common symptoms of depression are feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, irritability or frustration, loss of interest in activities, reduced appetite or excessive eating, trouble concentrating, and frequent thoughts of death and self injury. Depression is a very powerful force that does everything within its power to try and cripple our grasp onto redemption from our most wretched demons. 

I am a suicide survivor, and I am still recovering and trying to rebuild my life from all of the pain that I have endured. I really want people to know that there is a light at the end of the darkness. My last suicide attempt made me have a blooming realization , that in order to get better I have to fight depression and not let it consume my quality of life eternally. To earn my redemption I began searching for support and strategies to help me cope with my pain. I now have an amazing support group, including counselors and mentors that I really admire for taking on this forever lasting battle with me. There are so many resources out there that help people begin the journey to burn out their agony such as therapy, support groups, hotlines, medications and many more. At our school there are many supports and communities that offer support such as teen clinic , student support in room 319, Palante, counselors , even teachers that are willing to talk and help students. To those struggling with depression please do not give up on yourself you are worth being alive in this world. 

A Note From the Editor: If you or anyone you know is suffering with mental issues or suicidal thoughts please reach out! Anyone in the Herald and even Holyoke High School would be more than willing to talk and help you through any issues you’re facing.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255