More Ways Out Than One by Grace

More Ways Out Than One by Grace - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

High school can be the most stressful point in any teenagers life. Trying to balance grades, friends, family, a job, social status, and relationships can be challenging for any age. Teenagers are non-stop thinking about the past, present, and future. The actions of yourself and others can affect ones mindset during all of this. Depression can creep up on people and change ones thought process during this time. Not discussing depression or sad thoughts is more dangerous than holding it in and thinking it can be worked out on its own. If I could give any topic to a school wide audience it would be to speak out about depression and suicide and get help immediately.
Depression is a conversation most people try to avoid or pretend like it does not exist. Teenagers especially get neglected when discussing depression because people think they just want attention and that their feelings will go away. But, most people who struggle with this are the happiest we know. Two years ago a well respected boy in our community ended his life. This took everyone by shock, he was an important part to the music scene, had connections with everyone in town, and no one spoke bad about him. Even his closest friends had no idea what was going on in his mind. Although it was two years ago, many of his acquaintances and close friends still struggle with what they could have done to make him happier. Depression is a battle one can only overcome when they come to terms with it. But, if it is not expressed measures can go to the extreme.
Suicide is the most extreme and permanent form of depression. According to I Need a Lighthouse, "approximately 20 percent of teens will experience depression before adulthood." According to Suicide Statistics, "the ratio of suicide attempts to suicide death in youth is estimated to be about 25:1." It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. It not only affects the person and potentially rid their depression, but it affects the people around them. Sometimes, it can become a chain reaction. Even just speaking to a person once can leave an impact on them, so imagine how it might affect a close friend or a family member. Suicide is not only losing ones self but also the mindset of everyone around them.
Depression and suicide, although tough conversations, are ones that need to be discussed. If not, there could be detrimental consequences that could not only affect you but every person in your life. Before doing the extreme, talk to someone who can provide help. No matter how alone a person feels, there are always people who will listen.