After the passing of an Ankeny Centennial High School student due to suicide, students, staff and parents across school districts of the area were face to face with the reality that occurs too often with teenagers: the struggle of fighting invisible monsters which can lead to dreadful outcome.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suicide is the leading cause of death for the age group of 10-24 in the United States. Over the years, the percentages for these rates have increased, with the rate of teenagers from the ages of 12-17 years of age ending their life increasing by almost 50 percent in a span of 10 years.
Charlie Anderson, junior, explained that when she lost her best friend to suicide she was sent to a grim mental state, stating “I was completely destroyed when I found out.” In an Instagram caption, Anderson remarked that because it is a touchy subject, suicide is not addressed as much as it should be.
“I refuse to let kids take their own life,” Anderson wrote in a heartfelt post dedicated to her friend.
Anderson encourages conversation and openness to reaching out for help when one is struggling. She and many others encourage people to connect and get in contact with trusted resources including but not limited to friends, family and or organizations set up to help during these times.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline encourages those that are struggling to reach out and this service is available at all hours everyday and can furthermore help find more specific resources based on ones needs. One can call and or text this number for help.
At North Polk, one is always able to talk to the school counselors and for other districts it is also encouraged to reach out for help. Furthermore, if a friend reaches out to one for help, and one does not know how to act, it is always safer to get a trusted adult in the situation, even if the person does not want them involved.
As many have stated before, suicide is not, nor will it ever be the answer.
Other sources:
https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/
Counselors emails at North Polk High School:
