The Way To Act

Suicide rates in recent years have been at an all-time high and is one of the leading causes of death for people aged 5-24. Suicide rates vary by sex, race/ethnicity, and age, with American Indian/Alaskan Native and Black youth possessing the highest rates, respectively. Throughout the years, there have been a plethora of factors regarding the increasing rates of suicide, with a more recent factor being the event of COVID-19. More attention needs to be brought to society’s mental health impact from the precautionary measures and issues from COVID-19. Quarantining, social distancing, and financial crises due to lack of employment are all frequently associated with the risk factors of suicide attempts. In addition, during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, Black girls ages 12-14 faced suicide as their leading cause of death.

A large problem contributing to the increase in suicide, especially among minorities, is the lack of attention brought to these racial/ethnic groups. Caucasians were the only group to see a decline in suicide rates from 2018 to 2021, with a 3.9% decline. While that in itself is a positive outlook, American Indian/Alaska Natives held the highest proportional rate of suicide compared to any other racial or ethnic group from 2018 to 2021, facing a 26% increase. Black individuals' suicide rates jumped about 19%, and Hispanic community rates rose about 7%.

Many individuals’ causes for suicide are due to mental health, specifically associated with depression. A study was shown that out of 1051 people with suicidal behavior, 364 had lifelong depression. There was an estimation of 46% dying by suicide having a mental condition, and this is unaccounted for untreated/undiagnosed mental health conditions. Mental illness in itself affects mood, thinking, and behavior, as those conditions impact our social/work lives along with family activities. For youth specifically, a survey showed that ⅙ of 7.7 million teens reported mental health conditions in 2016, and the numbers have only escalated from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the higher suicide rates since the pandemic, specifically among certain minority groups, these issues and concerns of mental wellness and its impact have been scarcely treated. Doing so only increases the risk factor for suicide and teenagers’ mental wellness.

The lack of care and concern for mental wellness hurt the individuals and the environment around us. Depression is the most common condition that is associated with suicide, yet it is still normally undiagnosed or untreated. Depression, anxiety, and substance problems (such as alcohol), all increase the risk for suicide, even more when unaddressed. This correlates with a study that states and regions with more mental health resources and providers tend to have lower suicide rates. Access to help and support is widely beneficial to teenagers' and society’s well-being to have lower suicide risks. However, as a society, it is crucial to recognize that mental health problems can start from other factors outside of the pandemic and can start from an earlier age. In addition, improving access/delivery of suicide care, promoting healthy connections, supporting programs designed to help individuals struggling with mental health and suicidal behaviors, and ultimately giving people the support they need all contribute to preventing suicide and bringing awareness to the issue. While medical professionals are great contributors to help treat mental health and decrease the risk factors for suicide, society still has a responsibility to help the youth today.