Reading Log #4

Title: Suicide Prevention
Author: Youth.GOV
Text Type: Article
Date: 18/09/17

The article Suicide Prevention published by Youth.GOV, explains why suicide attempts and thoughts are caused and who they affect the most. It also talks about not only getting help from doctors, but also from teacher, mentors, friends and family members and how that extra support can save a life.

This article taught me how easy it is to feel suicidal. It stated that the years between childhood and adulthood are critical because it is a transition where your mental, emotional and social well being changes. Adolescence is also a time of growth, proving your potential, education, employment and relationships. These few things can all be very stressful and can lead to mental health problems which can also increase the risk of suicide. I think that people these days need to remove things off their schedule so they can have a break or some time just for themselves, because some people get to occupied and start to stress more than the healthy amount. Stressing to much and being too busy all the time can also lead to suicidal thoughts and other possible harmful events.

This article made me think about what others could do to prevent someone harming themselves. It is stated in this article that the ages that are getting effected by suicide the most are from 15 to 24. It is also said that teenagers that have been involved in child welfare and juvenile are more likely to attempt suicide. It also goes for people who are finding it hard to come out or be accepted. Like lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender. There is also a large amount of military service members that have committed suicide due to not being able to live with what they have done, e.g Fighting/ killing for their country. In this article it also talks about other types of support that is around people that they don't know could really help them. Some people can go see a doctor and then they will be fine with that but others need a different kind of support, a loving and caring support. They could go to their parents, friends, coaches and even teachers or youth leaders. All these people will be able to sit down and have a conversation with the person being effected and just show them love and let them know they care. I think that most people these days don't go get help when they need it. Some people notice it and talk to someone about it, but others don't. I think that we should be notified on what to look out for in someone who has depression or is feeling suicidal so we can help. If they don't see in in themselves, someone needs to before it is too late!