Suicide in teens is on the rise. What is going on and where are we slipping up?
We find that it is more important to discuss politics, than it is to discuss children taking their own life.
Bullying leads to depression, isolation, social media plays a big role in bullying, and these warning signs can lead to suicide.
You cannot go on social media and not read horrible and nasty comments, that adults are saying to one another, let alone our young ones.
We can do better than we are doing.
We are not speaking out about it enough, everyone is too wrapped up in political trash talk.
I am not blaming anyone specifically, we cannot pass it off to another, we have to do our part.
Teen suicides are up 56 percent since 2017. and even as young as eight years old. Suicides are the second leading cause of death in teens.
It is easy to say that we are here for the young ones, but are we really?
If we are not talking about it, and if we are not educating other's of the warning signs, making it apart of our daily conversations, then we are not doing enough.
Isolation, depression, loss of appetite, not being motivated in school activities, separating from friends, and family members, complaining of feeling sick, grades are declining, changes in eating habits, unusual disciplinary problems, all of these can be warning signs of a much bigger problem.
They may show one or all, or none of these signs, if we are all doing what we can and if it is one child that we can help, then it is worth it to try.
Their does not seem to be an easy solution.
We have too many parents losing their kids to suicides, we owe it to one another to help bring awareness, and do our part.
If you or if you know of someone that you may suspect of suicide please do not ignore, we are here to help. You can call 1-800-273-8255, or even online 24 hours a day.
Always show kindness, compassion, and empathy, above all love.
Tonya McBryar