Suicide, a topic worth discussing by Trevor

Suicide, a topic worth discussing by Trevor - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

Suicide is the third leading cause of deaths among 15-24 year-olds, and 16.9% of U.S. high school students report that they have seriously considered attempting suicide. This is a highly relevant and important issue that needs to be resolved.
After a teenage girl in my community took her own life last spring, this has been a very important issue I feel needs to be addressed. A lady spoke at my church soon after this tragic event to convey the message of “Moments pass, you matter, please stay”. This small little sentence packs so much emotion and love. Moments pass; the dark place someone could be in right now won’t be there forever. Good or bad; every moment will pass us by, we just have to be strong enough to let it pass. You matter; someone loves you. Even though it may seem like the world is against you, people still love you and care for you. Please stay; you will be severely missed if you are gone, it will get better and you have the strength to get through it.
These three statements are so crucial for every person to understand, especially students. With all the stress of high school caused by relationships, academics, athletics, and their future; students need to know that someone truly cares for them. I would share the message of “Moments pass, you matter, please stay” to my school for it to be a reminder to everyone that they are not alone in this fight and that they are strong enough to conquer depression.
Another way to prevent suicide in adolescents is to strengthen relationships they have and create new ones. A lot of stress can be caused by relationships; romantic, friendship, and even family relationships. Kids, and especially teens, often don’t know how to deal with this stress and sometimes choose an unfortunate path to relieve it. These relationships are crucial to a teenagers feeling of belonging and purpose. Everyone must know how much of an impact they have in others lives, both positive and negative. One way these relationships can be strengthened is through mentorship programs. Having a mentor, someone to go to for help or advice can be very beneficial to a kid or teen who is struggling. They need someone to trust and care for them. Family members are always there for their teens and kids, but peers can sometimes better and more easily relate to their problems. Also teens sometimes feel more comfortable sharing things with someone who isn’t a family member. Teens need someone they can go to when they are having relationship problems, or anything in general. I would include in my speech the impact that everyone has on people’s lives through my own life story. I would talk about relieving stress and the importance of having a mentor or someone to go to when they are struggling or having problems.
Through my own experience as a kid and currently as a teenager, I know how it feels to be overwhelmed and anxious. I myself am a mentor of both freshmen in high school and elementary schoolers. One of my mentees who is in 5th grade has made major improvements in his behavior and social skills. I work with him once every other week, playing games, talking, and just discussing his issues has made a large impact on both of us. He knows that I care for him and that I am someone who he can come to with any problems that he has.
Students need to know that they are not alone in this world. Someone in their life loves and appreciates them for who they are. They need to know ways to relieve stress and battle through depression. Students need to know the impact they have on their classmates lives, that they can make a difference in someone’s life. They should know the influence that mentors, friends, and family members have on their life and that they are a resource and tool to go to when they are struggling. In today’s day and age everyone has a desire to feel accepted and wanted, kids are no different. If I were given the opportunity to talk to my entire school through a speech, it would be a message about not only suicide prevention and awareness, but about self worth and self acceptance.