September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness for this important crisis. Although mental health and suicide are issues that should be addressed year-round, Suicide Prevention Month provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates, survivors, allies, prevention organizations and community members to come together and promote awareness.

Many teens and young adults struggle with anxiety, depression and overall mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health an estimated 31.9% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder and an estimated 50 million adolescents aged 12-17 in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode. Although suicidal thoughts are different from depression, it can be a contributing factor to suicidal ideation. In 2022, 353 lives were lost to suicide in West Virginia. With this platform I’d like to raise awareness on this topic and list some of the warning signs that someone may be struggling without anybody even realizing.

1. According to experts, drastic or subtle behavioral changes can be a big red flag. Being more irritable or depressed than usual can be signs that someone may be struggling.

2. Withdrawing from friends, family or community. If you notice someone slowly starts to not show up or tends to just stay home from social gatherings frequently, this could be a sign that they are going through a rough time and that they need someone to talk to.

3. Loss of energy. Many people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or just going through a hard time tend to seem more fatigued or tired from their sleeping habits. The stress can be overwhelming and this can cause people to either use sleep as an escape, or not sleep period. An easier way to tell that someone is struggling with this is noticing their eating habits. If they are starting to noticeably eat more or less than usual it can be a big red flag.

4. Acting recklessly. This may seem just like a personality shift or just an angsty teenager phase, but it can be serious. Many who are contemplating suicide tend to stop caring and become detached from their actions having consequences.

5. Suddenly showing low interest in the things they used to enjoy. This can be a very hard sign to catch but if someone is starting to not attend or feel excitement for activities they used to look forward to, they may be going through something.

During the researching process for this story, two PHS staff members immediately came to my classroom and took me down to my counselor. Even after I told them the mentioning of suicide in my iPad search history was for a newspaper story, I was still taken to my counselor to talk to her to make sure I was okay. There are many resources and people here at PHS that are more than willing to help you and will stop anything they are doing to listen. If they aren’t able to help, your counselor can get you set up with one of the community organizations or a professional.

“I think one thing in helping students especially address with it is for them realizing…the resources and the people that care about them here at PHS,” head counselor Brian Sprague said. “If in any way an adult here can’t help then we can point you in a direction of resources, whether it’s some of the community agencies or people with the board office that will be able to help.”

Not everyone shows the same signs that they’re contemplating suicide, but if you or anyone you know is showing any of these signs, reach out. There are many websites and organizations that are more than willing to help. Don’t struggle in silence. Reach out to those you trust or to any of the organizations below. There is always help available. 

Call 988 or text 741 741 if you’re ever feeling alone or feel like there is no one to talk to about what you’re going through.