Problems in school, at home or in a relationship can make you feel helpless or hopeless. Others can help you with these problems and the thoughts and feelings that come with them. Some Facts about Suicide

The suicide rate for adolescents has increased more than 200% over the last 10 years.

Often, suicidal thinking comes from a wish to end deep psychological pain. Death seems like the only way out, but it isn't!

Anyone has the potential to commit suicide.
Teenage pregnancy is considered one of the prime reasons for teenage suicide.Most people who kill themselves are really confused about whether or not they want to die. Attempted suicide is a cry for help that often ends in tragedy.

Suicide usually doesn't happen without warning.
Youth suicide rates increased dramatically from 1980-1994, largely due to gun-related suicides. Among young people 10 to 19 years old, there were 1,308 suicides with guns in 1996 - more than 3 every day (Join Together).

Did you know this about Massachusetts public high school students (grades 9 - 12)?

Over one fifth (20%) had considered suicide within the past year.

Over one in seven students (15%) made a plan about how they would attempt suicide.

One in ten (10%) made an actual suicide attempt, and 4% made an attempt resulting in injury or overdose serious enough to require medial attention.

Teens who had been victimized at school and those who believed there was no teacher or staff member they could talk to about a problem were far more likely than their peers to have made a suicide attempt.

Experiences of dating violence and unwanted sexual contact were also associated with suicidality.Suicidal thoughts and behavior are significantly more common among gay, lesbian, and transgender teens.

How to help a friend
If a friend mentions suicide-TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

Listen carefully, then seek help immediately.

A listening ear can help prevent a friend from committing suicide. But they still need professional help to overcome the feelings and problems they may be facing.

Never keep their talk of suicide a secret, even if they ask you to. Being a good friend means that YOU SHOULD NOT KEEP IT A SECRET.

Remember… You risk losing that person. Forever. Help is Available If you are thinking about hurting yourself or thinking about suicide, don't wait to get help. This is a very real medical emergency, and an adult must be notified.

• Call the police (911)
• Call the Samariteens Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-252-TEEN (8336)
  FREE & CONFIDENTIAL

2001 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey (MYRBS) Results. Massachusetts Department of Education (May 2000). Based on the 2001 Massachusetts Department of Education MYRBS survey of over 4,200 public high school students in grades 9 - 12.