It’s no secret that teen suicide has increased greatly in the past decade. So why do we treat it like nobody knows?
A few weeks ago, in my home city of Denver, Colorado, two teenagers committed suicide. It happened days apart. They attended the same school. A year earlier, another student, from the same school, also committed suicide. Others, as young as nine years old have been killed by their own hands. Why does this keep happening?
From 1999 to 2016, suicide rates jumped 28%. In 1999, suicides were at 10.3 per 100,000 people, but are now they as high as 13.4.
Illinois is ranked 44th in the country for suicide, number one being Montana and number 50 being New Jersey. Many of the western states, such as Colorado, are rated much higher.
“The main reason you’re seeing those numbers higher in the Midwest mountain area is because we typically find that there are not as many community providers in that area,” explained Bradley counselor Emily Panich. “When people don’t have access to those services, it’s a big issue.”
However, lately people have become more inclined to search for help with their mental illnesses, especially if they harbor suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
“Specific to Bradley, more students are seeking counseling services than ever now, and I think that is fabulous. It shows that stigma is decreasing on campus,” said Panich.
Despite a larger amount of people willing to find help, there are still many aspects that play into the reasons behind teen suicide.
Some are quick to blame social media. Others think it falls back on the demands of school, or bullying.
“I don’t think we know [the reason] yet. I don’t think there’s one specific, precise answer. From what I have personally read, yes, there is more pressure on teens now than ever,” Panich believes. “I also think though, from what I’ve read, that they talk about how teens are feeling more isolated, more lonely.”
“People try to jump to social media as a new thing that can be causing it, but, quite frankly, we don’t have enough research yet to prove that.”
As these reasons expand, and these rates rise, our need to talk about it should be growing as well.
Panich advises inquiring about the deeper meaning behind “I’m fine.” When we are willing to ask people if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, they will become more comfortable sharing their feelings.
The counseling center encourages students to seek help if needed.
“Reach out, because we’re not meant to handle it on our own.”
—
Let’s start the conversation!
Bradley will be hosting a screening of “Suicide: The Ripple Effect”, a movie about an attempted suicide survivor and his experiences, followed by a discussion on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 7 to 9 PM at the Marty Theatre in the Michel Student Center.
—
If you or someone you care about is experiencing suicidal or depressive thoughts, reach out.
Call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741.
The counseling center offers an after-hours hotline at 309-677-3200. Someone will always answer, including 3:00 am.
If you want to stop in for an appointment or even just check out the center, it is located in Markin Center 52.
