Suicide is a problem that could potentially affect anyone reading this. According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death and a growing one as well. Between 1999 and 2019 suicide rates have gone up by 33%, though there was a small decrease in 2019. It occurs in all ages, with some ages or groups having higher rates than others. The groups that have the worst rates in America are Indian/Alaskan Natives and Non-Hispanic White populations. It is high in veterans, mining/construction workers, in rural areas, and in young LGBQ people. 

Suicide Causes and Effects.

Suicide can have many causes, risk factors, and warning signs. The risk factors could be a lot of things, but some are physical/sexual abuse, poor coping skills, physical illness, a traumatic event, PTSD, losses, and mental illnesses. Warning signs include, but are not limited to engrossment with death, intense sadness, not caring about most things, lack of energy, changes in appetite, and depression. There could be many more risk factors or warning signs that could be evident in people thinking about suicide, these are just a few examples. Suicide could make you physically harm yourself and put you into a drowning state of sadness. Not only could it have effects on you, it will probably be detrimental to your family. It could make them drown in sadness as well. They will grieve and feel blame, be angry, and probably get depressed. It will leave a mark on them, it will impact everyone differently individually, and they will probably be needing counseling afterward. Suicide is something that only brings bad effects. 

Suicide in Quarantine. 

Suicide, as I have stated before, is a leading cause of death, and during COVID-19 it is expected to get worse. It is a pandemic that impacts people’s mentality. They will not be able to go to school, outside, see their friends, or be as outgoing as before. This could bring more negative feelings, emotions, and could cause depression to become rampant. It is proven by the CDC that suicidal thoughts has increased during the pandemic, in all ages. Many families have lost a loved one due to suicide during the quarantine, which left the families wondering, “What if the pandemic never occurred?” It leaves them with sadness and regret. Suicide can be prevented. It helps to talk, seek help, and seek counseling. If you or any of your family members are contemplating suicide, or you think they are, then you should help that person and make them go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, their phone number is 1-800-273-8255. 

With greater awareness, we can make a difference.