Did you know that suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States? Over 49,000 people took their life in 2022, and there was a estimated 1.6 million suicide attempts. That means that suicide happened at least every eleven minutes in the US.

Two out of nine times people bullied will attempt more often than people who are not. Most of them are too afraid to reach out for help either mentally or physically. At Galena High School in 2022 we went through a course titled Mental Health First Aid that  taught people how to help others and to help understand what to do in certain situations. Suicide is the second leading cause of death to teenagers and young adults.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a moment that serves as a powerful reminder that there are steps we all must take in looking out for loved ones. The people in our community, and those who have been impacted by this leading cause of death. Since 2002, millions of people have attended the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALKS in communities across the country. Raising awareness and funds that go toward education programs, advocacy efforts, and scientific research that reveals how we can save more lives. 

In conclusion, you should always reach out for help no matter what. Even if you just want to talk about your problems or if you just need to get something off your chest you should consider calling these numbers. The most most common number is  (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.).

• The veterans suicide hotline (Veterans Crisis Line): 1-800-273-8255, press 1 or text to 838255 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Suicide Hotline (the Trevor Lifeline): 1-866-488-7386 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

• Teen suicide hotline (Thursday's Child National Youth Advocacy Hotline): 1-800-USA-KIDS (872-5437) (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

               By- Adisyn, Kylie