Wow, what a night! Most people have heard of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, right? Now, how many teens realize a main theme of the young couple’s story is suicide? Obviously, the tragedy of teen suicide has been around for a long time, since it was published in 1599. But did you know that in some communities teen suicide has reached epidemic proportions? Example, suicide among Native American teens is three times higher than most. It’s time to ask: “What causes suicide and what can be done to prevent it?”
Amazon Sage time-travelled back to Shakespeare’s day and found out a few things. First, kids thought about death then, too. Words like "These violent delights have violent ends" and “My grave is like to be my wedding bed,” reveal a tendency to see suicide as an alternative to pain and sadness. They, like many teens today, have not yet learned that an important part of living is learning to cope with strong emotion... and yes, sometimes it takes real courage to live through it.
We now know that the more we surround ourselves with a certain way of thinking, the more likely we will turn to it when the chips are down; whether it’s weapons, drugs, or suicide. A funny thing about suicide is it rarely gives us a do-over. There was one time I knew a boy who shot himself in the head and lived... if you could call it living. So if you see a friend (or yourself), thinking about it, get help, Now!
In most cases of suicide, there are clues. Ask yourself “Do they talk or surround themselves with images of death? Does he or she have a plan to do it? Does she or he have the means to carry it out? If yes, yes, yes, call 9-1-1. Better to have an angry friend than no friend at all. Believe me, they’ll thank you later. But hear this: Don’t lecture them! This is not the time and fussing at them will drive them further into hopelessness. Instead show them you care by sitting with them and really listening, verbally as well as nonverbally. Sometimes what they say is a front for what they feel.
Fact: If someone threatens, they usually end up doing it. Help them find professional help.
Fact: When there’s nothing left to lose, a suicidal person can become homicidal.
Fact: Girls, are four times more likely to cry out for help as boys, while boys, are four times more likely to die the first time they try. This is likely due to choice of weapon.
So switch off the depressing music, get your butt out of your room, and tell somebody you trust that you need help. Every person has a purpose in this life but you have to stay alive long enough to find out what yours is. You do matter! Amazon Sage signing off for now... and sending you lots of love.
