Many young people today have to deal with many pressures and pain. Unfortunately, these teenagers think they can’t handle all the stress and pain. They believe no one cares or nobody wants to help them. With all these overwhelming thoughts, they begin thinking they have to take their life. To some people, this is the only way out.

Every 40 seconds, someone takes their life, and every 41 seconds someone is asking “Why?”According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, about 44,965 Americans die by suicide each year, making it the tenth leading cause of death in the US.

An important part of suicide awareness is knowing the warning signs of suicide:

• Withdrawing from family and friends.
• Talking about being trapped or being a burden to others.
• Acting anxious or agitated and having extreme mood swings.
• Talking or thinking about death often and/or making a plan to kill themselves, such as searching methods online.
• Losing interest in favorite activities.
• Having trouble thinking clearly or trouble concentrating.
• Giving away prized possessions.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are four major steps you can take to help someone considering suicide. First, ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. It may not be an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals this question doesn’t increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. The second step is to keep the individual safe. Remove items they could use to harm themselves such as firearms and sharp objects. The third thing to do is be there for the person and listen to them. Lastly, connect the individual to a loved and trusted adult.

If you, or someone you know, is in a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.