At one point in some people’s lives, they will feel like the world is collapsing. That they are falling into the darkness and can never see the light again. That happened to me at the end of eighth grade. Then, some of my friends started opening up to me that they have been in worse situations that resulted in them actually attempting suicide.

According to americashealthrankings.org, in 2017, there were more than 6,200 suicide deaths among teenagers making it the second-leading cause of death for teenagers.

High schools should start to be more open to discussions around suicide, like having clubs where people just talk about their feelings. Teenagers are sometimes in a rush, but we should stop and share our feelings because it will help a lot. Most of my friends that went to therapy got better. If students are comfortable, they could share a personal experience of what they went through or are going through regardless of the size of the problem.

Some kids don’t want to talk to their parents about their problems. Actual counseling could help but it can be expensive and it depends on the family’s insurance. My idea of a school club could help because students don’t have to talk to their parents about therapy. They could just do it in school. They would also feel better since it is a club and there are other people in almost the same shoes as them.

However, talking with some people at school is not at all the same as real therapy or counseling. It should not be a replacement when professional help is needed.

According to Bradley University, up to 6.7 million Americans diagnosed with serious mental illnesses, sought and received counseling or treatment throughout 2014. The percentage of patients receiving treatment for mood and personality disorders stands at 36.9 percent for men and 39 percent for women.

I believe that people should have open discussions with family if they are having suicidal thoughts and in general recognize that this is a real problem that affects thousands of teens. If you see anyone at school that looks sad and glum or is crying, comfort them even if you don’t know them. I know that it is hard for some people to approach classmates, but it will make the person’s day much better for them to know that they are loved and wanted in this world.

This is for people who are considering suicide. You are loved. You deserve to live. It will get better and in my opinion, if people who are considering suicide stick around with the people they love, and then get help, they can get better and happy again. However, trying to find happiness is hard and it can be a long journey to find that peace.

If you are considering attempting suicide, you are not alone. Confidential help is available for free. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24 hours every day.

As told by Phil Donahue, a writer and film producer, “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”