In a Suicidal World

Trigger warning: before you read ahead, please keep in mind I am going to be talking deeply about the following topics: suicide, mental illness, and possibly anything else related. The information I will present is not in any way to glorify or belittle suicide and anyone left unnamed. I do hope those who read leave this article feeling hopeful and with a new attitude on how we see others and treat people. This article is not meant to harm any company or anyone. God Bless.

Recently two students at the University of Kentucky have passed away by committing suicide. I read this in the KY Kernel newspaper at my school. When I picked up the newspaper, the front cover was intriguing, and I noticed it was a 'special edition' of the paper. I was thinking to myself, why would a paper be special edition if it is discussing things that happen every day in this world? There were big bold letters spelling out, "We see you. We hear you," that caught my eye in particular. What was in bold broke my heart into several pieces. It left me with comfort even before I opened to the first page. The questions that hung over me though about these six words was, do people really notice us? Does society realize the impact it has on us? Are we just now getting involved and taking action?

"Suicide was the leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24 between 2008 and 2017," according to the CDC (Kentucky Kernel, p.1). If that statistic doesn't make you concerned, then you need to open your eyes and realize this is not a joke. Suicide is never a joke.

Recently, we have seen shows such as 13 Reasons Why, and films like To the Bone that depict mental illness and suicide. But why is everyone just now coming to the realization and starting to talk about these topics? Every time a celebrity overdoses, or passes away from suicide we always bring up the stereotypical, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" articles, advertisements, etc. and the fact those only pop up when it is convenient is sickening. We should be talking about these topics instead of being hushed and secretive about it. News flash, it's not something new. And it is disheartening that people have to die before anyone says anything or wants to bring awareness.

I recently opened up about my issues and all I suffer(ed) from and am battling and it isn't easy. I know it is not easy. And I know there are people out there like me, that want to share their story but can't out of fear of judgment and criticism as well as blame. Our society is so quick to victim blame instead of offering help and it is the time we ultimately stop what is hurting our youth and humans across the globe. With the rise of technology, it sure hasn't helped any in preventing mental illness rather, I feel it is worsening the issues.

Our society is ever-changing and so is our communication. Though this is a positive thing, it could also be negative. We live in a generation that has grown up with some sort of screen in their face. We live in a generation that uses 'likes' and 'shares' as a basis of their self-worth. Instagram is full of depression, and light. When I scroll my Instagram feed, I am scrolling through makeup ads and models who I constantly feel are prettier than me, and I'm not the only one. Others may skim through their feed only to view quotes and pictures hashtagged depression or anything negative about mental illnesses. I am one of the people guilty of this. Back when I was 14, I had an Instagram and I literally only had this so I can vent but also trigger myself due to my eating disorder. I was obsessed with this secretive page of mine and looking and talking with others that suffered like me. The page didn't help. The account was so triggering it worsened my symptoms and depression, but this is what some of us go through and do to ourselves with the help of technology. I still delete pictures that have no more than 40 likes off my Instagram. What we don't realize is that those people on Instagram that are so perfect in their photos aren't as perfect as they seem. We are all struggling with some kind of thought taunting us. And that is just the world we live in.

How can you contribute? I could ask you to donate to those who support the cause and yadda yadda. But that isn't going to stop this madness! We need to limit our children's media intake. A seven-year-old should not have a phone for anything other than emergencies for one, and for two why are they on social media sites that are made for certain ages and up (usually for 13+). I am still praying for the loss of a nine-year-old who was bullied because of racial taunts. And have we forgotten about Amanda Todd? Who was stalked, preyed on, and eventually took her life because of the cyberbullying and dangers she had suffered from? Todd was only 15. Gabbie Green was a little girl who took her life due to cyberbullying at age 12. We need to also speak out in public schools as well as private schools. Something that was always a lie when I went to public school was the fact bullying wouldn't be tolerated. We had one or two assemblies, but when it happened on the spot the kids/teens would just get a slap on the wrist. We need to actually be there for victims, and we need to assure our children and friends that everything will be okay and their life matters.

Not all suicide is due to bullying, but also depression in general. We need to recognize the signs and take action. We need to be approachable, and a friend to those in need. After all, we're all struggling from something inside our minds. Veterans, doctors, students, the rich, the poor, those in shelters, etc. We all need someone.

People pass me in the halls or knew me in high school and would just assume I was happy. I may have had things somewhat in order, but just because someone looks alive on the outside doesn't mean there isn't darkness on the inside. I have been there, wanting to stop the pain, luckily I received help and am doing much better. I hope if you're suffering, you receive the light at the end of your struggle. Please don't be embarrassed to seek help. We all need it in this society.

Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255