Suicide... Let's talk by Christina

Suicide... Let's talk by Christina - July 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I was asked to give an educational TED talk it would be on suicide. Everyday people are talking their own life and we can stop that or at least cut the of number of suicides down. How you ask? Well read my Ted Talk below and I hope you can answer that question yourself when your done reading.
We live in a world today that no longer “helps thy neighbor” or “loves thy enemies”. No in our society we mind our own business and try to carry one with our own very busy lives. In doing that on average 121 suicides accrue per day. 121? That is a crazy high number of people to die by taking their own life if you ask me. I have my self been down a road in my life that I felt taking my own life sounded better than living it any more. Let me tell you, if you do not know, that is a sad a very lonely place and a whole lot of pain. I know we cannot save every person but what if asking a friend if they are okay, or checking on a relative more often could save them? Reaching out and being there for someone might just be worth it.
Think about this for a minute for every 1 person that committed suicide there were 25 people with failed attempts. A little over a month ago my good friend took her own life. She hung herself in her mother’s home. She left no note said no goodbyes and left more unanswered questions than answered questions. The pain of not knowing it was going to happen and the regret of not reaching out hangs over me like a heavy veil. How completely alone she must have felt in the last moments in her life. She should have had someone to turn to. And those close to her should have been there more for her.
In the wake of this tragic event I feel we need to open up about suicide and learn how to become a society that does not sweep these things under the rug but talks about them. We need to educate our children about suicide and keep the lines of communication open. Do you know that someone who has tried to kill them self before are at higher risk for trying again? So if we know our friend has tried to kill them self in the past then we know to watch for signs from this person. Or if this person goes through something tragic we need to be there more for them to ensure they are okay.
On top of the things I have already said if someone is depressed they need to find professional help. Depression and other mental health problems need to be talked about. If we don’t open up about these things we will continue to lose lives every day. In Arizona suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of people ages 15-34. So let’s stand together and change these numbers and let’s start caring about people and reaching out. I bet we can change these numbers and bring suicide talk and prevention in the mouths of nearly every home.
I will stand and keep talking about this. My friend does not have to die in vain!