Over 800,000 people die by suicide every year (WHO). Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for ages 10-24 (2013 CDC WISQARS). Depression and suicide are conversations we MUST have with our children. They need to know that they can speak openly about their feelings and they will be heard.
When I was 16 I wanted to commit suicide. In fact, I don’t like to call it that. It sounds like a crime. It’s not a crime; it’s a cry. Anyway, if I could go back and chat to my 16-year-old self, I would tell me all the things I’ve experienced since then. I would let myself know of all the things I would have missed out on. I would shine the light of hope on the other side of suicide.
When I was 16 I wanted to commit suicide. In fact, I don’t like to call it that. It sounds like a crime. It’s not a crime; it’s a cry. Anyway, if I could go back and chat to my 16-year-old self, I would tell me all the things I’ve experienced since then. I would let myself know of all the things I would have missed out on. I would shine the light of hope on the other side of suicide.