Shining Light Onto the Darkness

By Zoe Cox

According to America’s Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and about 44,965 people die from suicide each year. Not only is suicide challenging for the person who attempts or commits suicide, but it is also very challenging for a person who knows someone who has attempted or committed suicide. It would be no surprise that every single person knows or knows of at least one person who suffers from a mental illness, or has lost someone to a mental illness or suicide. Mental illnesses are often often overlooked or underrated in terms of importance.

However, little do many people know, people suffering from a mental illness or suicide are very important to put more light onto, and should not at all be overlooked. Mental illnesses can sometimes lead to suicide when that person is not getting the help that they need in order to feel better. A mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or ptsd are no different than illnesses such as cancer or diabetes. Mental illnesses should be treated like any other illness, which could possibly make suicide rates decrease. If we as a society get people the help that they need, then it is so obvious that suicide rates would go down, and so many suffering people wouldn’t have to suffer anymore. If you are unsure how to find help or if you are feeling down, there is always numbers you can call. As students, we have access to many online sources, such as text a tip and a suicide hotline, which is open for anyone to contact.

Text a Tip: 274637

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255