Teen Suicide

           A teenager’s life can be quite stressful with school, relationships, extracurricular activities, family, and much more. With that stress comes a pressure to fit in or do the “right” thing. Teenagers try to find different ways to cope with that pressure that life brings. Some have hobbies to get their mind off things but not everyone can find a safe and healthy way to deal with stress. Unfortunately, some turn to drugs, sexual relationships, or alcohol. Even worse, many teens turn to what they feel is the only way out: suicide.
          Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Over one million people, including teenagers, die by committing this act every year. The statistics are horrifying. Among adolescents, suicide accounts for 12-18% of all deaths. It is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year old, sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the thirteenth leading cause of death worldwide.
          Despair and stress overwhelm the victim and are usually the causes of one committing suicide. Depression is one of the greater factors that cause a want to commit suicide. A feeling of complete hopelessness takes over making them think suicide is the only option. The depression may be caused by bullying, specifically cyber bullying. The loss of a loved one may also cause depression, which may lead to suicidal thoughts in some cases. Mental illnesses, extremely high levels of stress and anxiety, and family issues such as divorce may also cause suicidal thoughts, especially in teenagers.
          Teenagers with suicidal thoughts do give warning signs. However, they are sometimes difficult to tell if they’re trying to hide it. Some warning signs include isolation from friends and family, chronic sadness, excessive drug and alcohol use, dramatic mood swings, and losing interest in most things. One of the ways suicide can be prevented is if people look for those warning signs and address them to the person or someone in authority.
          What does the Bible have to say about suicide? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” In this verse it clearly states that we are to honor God with our bodies. Abusing and destroying your body does not consist of honoring God with it. Romans 6:23 says,  “For wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Suicide is destroying the gift that God has in store for each one of us.
          Suicide is obviously a terrible choice that is unfortunately not uncommon. Many teenagers do not take the time to get help. They feel like suicide will solve everything without thinking about how it will affect others. Most teenagers do not see it as what it is: a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If we educate ourselves about it, know the warning signs, and how to deal with it, who knows? Maybe we can save a life.