CW: Suicidal thoughts. I’m just going to say it…life is hard, and sometimes I want to die. Sometimes I feel a rush of unbearable sadness take over me. It turns out I’m not alone. To get through some statistics quickly — from 2000 to 2018, there was a 36% increase in suicide rates, according to […]
It’s that time of year again, folks! We’re looking for bloggers to join the 2022 Fall/Winter You Matter Blogger Council. The deadline to apply is November 1st, 2022. You Matter has always been a space for youth, by youth, to share stories and make your voices heard. If you’re between 13-25 and are passionate about […]
Content Warning: Suicidal Thoughts If you’ve ever frequented the hallways of a middle school or high school, it’s likely that you’ve heard lots of things. Snippets of conversation, gossip, and news of all sorts. But recently, I found myself walking down the hallway and overheard a statement that was alarming to me. The student had […]
Content Warning: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Living with suicidal ideation is terrifying. I have experienced suicidal ideation numerous times over the years, and frequently have to battle these thoughts on a […]
*If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, please call 911* September is National Suicide Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to have an open and compassionate conversation when you think a loved one may be at risk for suicide. Whether you’re starting the conversation or being approached by […]
What does suicide prevention mean to you? Maybe it’s something you’ve never discussed; maybe it’s something you’ve been involved in for years. Suicide prevention is a cause for everyone; it can be in homes, in towns, in schools, and simply on minds. When I first heard the term, as is the case for many other […]
Did you know that the suicide rate of Black children under the age of thirteen is twice as high as their white counter parts? And the rates of Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are higher in the Black community than in any other community? However, despite the […]
Language is easily one of the most important parts of who we are as people and it plays a significant role in our everyday lives. Our need to communicate with those around is a key component of who we are as humans and also provides us with the opportunity to share ideas, feelings, and emotions […]
It’s a myth that asking someone if they are suicidal will suddenly implant the idea. As a highly stigmatized topic, it’s not surprising that there is misinformation about discussing it with those who may be at risk. Without any specific training on how to talk about suicide, it’s easy to feel ill-equipped to bring it […]
It is hard to remember a time before I understood the meaning of the word “suicide.” My mom Joanne, who works in the mental health field, made sure it was never a taboo subject in my household despite the deeply personal weight of the subject. Five years before I was born, my mom lost her […]