Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in US according to Suicide Statistics. The truth is suicide catches everyone’s attention. It’s the signs that lead up to suicide that go unnoticed. People that get bullied consider suicide because they think it’s the easy way out. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 years old according to KidsHealth. What actions would you take to prevent someone from taking their own life?

   When you see someone sensationalizing, fantasizing, or mentioning suicide a lot, do something to help and don’t walk away. You could save someone’s life by speaking up or even just letting them they’re not alone and that you’re there for them. Do what you can.

   It’s amazing how people react to the word suicide. Bessma Altamimi a former student that attended Unis Middle school simply disclosed that, “It’s the easiest way out of life.” Suicide is some people’s answer to bullying. When people get bullied they think they are not good enough or not worthy of themselves because of the words of a predator at school, work, or online. Suicide rates are higher in the spring. “People who commit suicide don’t want to end their life, they want to end their pain and suffering.”

   All across the country, teachers are educating students about suicide. Maya Bazzi, a teenage Dearborn resident, stated “My cousin was talking about suicide because her parents got a divorce. Suicide is seen as the only escape.” Based on facts from SAVE, the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, about 8 million people consider suicide each year. All actions taken towards the prevention of suicide will not be regretted and will make you a hero. Don’t walk away even if you think they’re only joking.

   Although you know many people are suicidal, helping one out of the million can make such a drastic toll on many lives and families. Ali Berro, another former student who attended Unis Middle School, commented “I’ve been cutting myself and thinking about it for the past 3 weeks. No one likes me. My family doesn’t even care about me. I go to school then come back right away and sit in my room. I don’t care about anyone or anything because no one cares about me. I get bullied everyday for no apparent reason. One day, I went to school and got harassed cruelly and I got told to do them, and myself, a favor and just end my life cause no one likes you.” Ali and I talked and discussed better ways to cope with bullying and family issues.

   My brother was suicidal last year and had to go to a psychiatric hospital. He had a very bad year. It was his worst year. He was in an extremely toxic relationship and he got his heart broken, he lost his job, and he was living alone. He struggled with finances. Although he doesn’t like to discuss the topic of his suicide scare, my mom spoke to me about what it felt like visiting at the hospital. My mom shared, “It was sad to see him in the hospital. We know he’s strong, and capable of getting better though. On our way to his room, we saw the scariest scenes and conditions. He wasn’t as bad as other patients, thankfully. I can say now that he definitely learned from his experiences. We’re grateful that he got help instead of leaving the people that love him behind.” It was even hard for me and my sisters going through that with him. We love him and we all helped each other through it.

   When feeling suicidal, always look for someone trustworthy to talk to or contact. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Always know that there will be a silver lining and someone will be there sooner or later. You will get through your hardships. Robin Williams said it best, “If you’re depressed, reach out to someone. And remember that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

Written by:

Nur Alsheeblawy

Rita Salamey