Suicide among teen’s is a lot higher now then it was a couple years ago. Teen’s that think about suicide or self-harm aren’t always asking for attention or because they think it’s a problem for others, 50 out of 100 time’s a student is thinking about suicide or self harm as a cry for help. 

Raelin Jessee’s, Capital High School 9th grader, commented on how the topic has impacted them personally, “Personally I have not done self harm or thought about self harm. I’ve known a few people who have gone through teen self harm. I have a friend who I have helped talk out of thinking/committing suicide by telling her I’m here for her and suicide/self harm is never the answer.”

Kamara Kirby, Capital High School 9th grader, reflected on their own emotional experience with the topic, “My brother was suicidal because his girlfriend broke up with him. He called me and told me he wanted to die. I was panicking. I wasn’t sure what to do or think, because he is my best friend. I was thinking about telling my mom, but I didn’t because I didn’t think it was my place to tell what was happening- so I did this: I calmed him down, but he still hurt himself. We hung out the next day and I got him ice cream. A couple days later he called me again having those thoughts and instead of panicking, I actually understood what to do this time.”

And Brynn Bucklin Capital high school 9th grader,shared how often the issue impacts her life, “Friends come to talk to me about suicide/self harm, my thought process what they were telling me while i was a little panicked. I listen and try to be understanding when my friends come to me for help/comfort. What I do to try and help my friends is try to talk about the good in life instead of talking about the bad to distract them from the bad thoughts even though I don’t know what I’m doing. ”

Include research on how this is an issue of needing help and how to help.

Also close with how and where to reach out if feeling suicidal- national hotline number text or call 988