Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds in the United States. Many high school aged students will report their suicidal thoughts, about 9% of those kids will attempt to take their own lives. Being a teenager can be challenging, as well as simply being in high school. High school students tend to worry about their personal image, other peoples opinions, grades, sports, extra curricular activities, and many more things. It is easy to get overwhelmed but there are so many ways to find relief even through the most stressful times. Suicide should never be an option because you matter and have great worth!

As stated above, it is hard in general just being a teenager. When schoolwork, friendships, sports, and life pile onto us, it is so normal to be overwhelmed and lose motivation. There are many ways in the school setting to relieve stress. If you are feeling sad, mad, stressed, or disappointed in yourself, you can talk to your everyday teachers, friends, staff, and/or administration here in your school. If you are not comfortable with speaking to any of these people listed, call 988. By calling 988, the lifeline provides 24/7 support to being going through suicidal crisis, or mental-health distress. Whenever you are feeling stressed, it is always good to do things that you enjoy, take time off, breathe, and just remember all of the things that are causing stress will eventually pay off.

Everyone is created with great worth and is given a purpose. Even through the hardest times, suicide should never be an option. There are so many people who love and care about you, even when you may not feel like it. Life can get hard sometimes, but look for the positive in everything, and believe that things will get better! Always remember that YOU MATTER!!