Teen suicide breaks community hearts
By Contributed
Like the rest of the community, we were devastated to hear that a Mount Si High School sophomore had killed himself.
We can’t imagine the pain his family, friends, teachers and schoolmates are going through. Prayers are being whispered for everyone in the community as we try to understand his choice.
This is the second school year in a row that Mount Si students have had to face the loss of a friend by suicide, after an 11th-grader killed himself in September 2010.
In 2007, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The organization said one in 100,000 children ages 10-14 commits suicide. For adolescents ages 15-19, that number jumps to nearly seven in 100,000.
In Washington, an average of two youths commit suicide each week, according to the Youth Suicide Prevention Program.
And in a recent state survey, more than one in every 10 high school students reported having attempted suicide, and one in four said they had seriously considered it.
No one may ever know the true reason behind a suicide, but there are warning signs to watch for.
Boys are more likely than girls to take their own lives, but if you notice any child showing signs of depression, withdrawing, increasing alcohol or drug use, giving away their possessions or hinting at not being around in the future, take heed. Ask directly whether they have considered suicide. It will not put ideas in children’s heads, experts say.
MSHS Principal John Belcher sent an email to parents, saying, “Most people express relief when they can talk openly about their feelings, since most people who attempt suicide are very afraid.”
If someone admits to having suicidal thoughts, then call the Suicide Hotline for help at 800-273-8255. It’s a toll-free call.
Even without warning signs, now is the time to have an open and frank discussion about suicide with your teens.
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