The Suicidal Trend

Saying Good-bye Too Often.

Spending the past few weeks thinking about how to start off an article to this magnitude was stressful, to say the least. But, I'm putting it out there...taking the chance that maybe someone will read this and realize they aren't alone. There are many things that could drive an individual to suicide...it's more than just a depression...it's an inability to cope. Now, I'm not a licensed professional or any expert on this topic. But, given the fact that I've had to say "good-bye" to three teenage kids in just 3 months gives me the ability to voice my opinions.

Suicide seems to be an emerging trend...an epidemic...a chain reaction of sorts. There has to be a way to see deeper into someone than what's on the surface. With teenagers, it's even more vital. The chain reaction that I mentioned isn't meant to imply that they all will follow their peers. What I'm suggesting is that these young adults don't possess the coping skills of saying good-bye...they can't let go...they can't get past their own grief.

My boys are both teenagers...one is 17 and the other is 15. The very first funeral that we attended was in November. It was the funeral of my oldest son's best friend. He's had a hard time with it and I know that. The difference is, I've never let it go unattended...I make sure to discuss things with him very frequently. His best friend died as the result of a traffic accident and he left behind a son. A little boy who is only 2...he no longer has a daddy. There a lot of mutual friends that have been to my house a lot since the funeral. They are comfortable here...they talk openly to me...I help them to accept what happened without felling the need to give up. In my heart, I know it will contribute to saving some of them.