The increase of suicide rates in adolescents and teens in recent years is a disturbing trend brought about by many factors.

Awareness and support systems are in place for prevention and to reduce the increased rates.

In 2017 alone suicide was the second leading cause of death from people age 15-24. According to Heather Kelly, a psychologist with the American Psychologist Association in reporter Laura Santhanams article “Youth suicide rates are on the rise in the U.S.”, suicide is more common in those who struggle with self-harm, which is especially prominent in young veterans and the LGBTQ community, as well as young adults and the youth.

Anyone could be at risk for potentially committing suicide. Many people don’t realize the warning signs but with knowledge of them, you can develop a better understanding to help your friends and family. Mr. Shervington, a counselor at Susquehannock High School have some insights about the matter at hand.

“Things like constantly talking about death or wanting to harm themselves, constantly talking about feeling hopeless or not having a purpose, feeling as if they’re a burden on others, showing signs relating to a major depressive episode, and substance use are some more well-known ones,” said Shervington.

 Parents can help their children battle this obstacle in their life by being supportive and understanding what their children are going through. Parents should do these things to build a strong healthy relationship with their child. 

“I would recommend that parents generally be supportive of their teenager. That they understand that teenagers are going to make mistakes because that is developmentally appropriate and remember what it was like to be a teenager to help them with this,” said Shervington.

There are many recourses available for those with a mental diagnosis or desire to commit suicide. There are even some recourses available in Southern York County, one of them being an in-school program called SAP as well as an in-school counseling program called PCBH where students can get counseling in school instead of going outside of school. 

 Including in school options, there are also organizations outside of school such as TrueNorth Wellness and TheSuicide Prevention organization in York, as well as many other options. 

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.