By: Lauryn Jones and Aaliyah Clayton of the East Orlando Youth Advisory Board
According to The Jason Foundation, suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-24. Their research also shows that more than 125 young people fall to this tragedy every week.
With the growth of suicide rates being a global concern, especially among young people, what can we do to ensure this fatal tragedy is prevented?
In honor of September being National Suicide Prevention Month, the members of *The East Orlando Youth Advisory Board is committed to raising awareness about this critical issue. Through the development of programs, events, and activities, we aim to create a safe space where they feel a sense of belonging and support to prevent suicide.
According to the Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas, approximately 10 out of every 100,000 youth die by suicide each year. More specifically, According to FOX 13 News, “In Florida, suicide rates in 2022 were higher than in any of the last four years, at just more than 3,400 people.”
Some common contributing factors to this critical issue are bullying and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. These experiences can profoundly impact young individuals, making it crucial to address them proactively.
Our first recommendation for promoting suicide prevention is to encourage kindness. Bullying is a significant contributor to the rise in suicide rates, so we urge everyone to refrain from bullying, encourage others to do the same, and stand up for what is right. For anyone who has experienced bullying, we want to share these wise words from actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell with you. “I realized that bullying never has to do with you. It’s the bully who’s insecure,” said Mitchell.
Secondly, we recommend providing more support to youth struggling with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Access to the right support can be a crucial factor in their growth and well-being.
The programs and small groups of L.O.V.E Our Youth’s East Orlando Youth Advisory Board will help to address this critical issue by connecting with students who need help and getting them the help they need while feeling valued and heard.
In a 2023 report by WDHN News, a high school student in Elba, Alabama, tragically died by suicide after enduring years of relentless bullying. The student’s mother shared that, despite the unwavering love and support they provided at home, the same could not be said for the high school environment. After three years of constant bullying, one final incident drove their daughter to take her own life.
This heartbreaking story highlights the critical need for support on multiple levels. While some students, like this one, do reach out to their families and receive the care they need at home, it’s clear that school environments must also play a vital role in ensuring their well-being.
At the same time, many teens don’t feel comfortable confiding in anyone, including trusted adults or counselors, often due to feelings of embarrassment or insecurity. This makes it all the more important to create a supportive and open environment where all young people feel safe to share their struggles and seek the help they need.
Dealing with suicidal thoughts and self-harm is incredibly challenging. Those who experience these struggles often face low self-esteem, deteriorating mental health, and a negative impact on their social and academic lives. This is why it’s crucial for us to unite in the global effort to prevent suicide, especially among our youth. By fostering supportive environments and raising awareness, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. We hope to create an environment where more teens feel empowered to attend events and truly experience a sense of belonging.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 [TALK] for free, confidential, emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
