“Depression alone rarely causes suicide,” said Robin Williams. The second leading cause of death among young people is suicide. Depression affects about 16 million people in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and more than 350 million globally, according to the World Health Organization. Depression is thought to be the result of interacting social, biological and environmental factors, according to a Scientific American article.

“The nearly 40,000 American lives lost each year make suicide the nation’s 10th-leading cause of death,” according to A USA Today editorial.

Suicide has become a worldwide epidemic and should not be taken lightly. Four people in my life have committed suicide. Undoubtedly, these were difficult losses; however, the most confusing was my close friend who was always smiling and appeared to be the happiest guy in the world to those who knew him. Until the day he told his mom not to come downstairs and he shot himself.

Demographics and age play no role into the effects of suicide; however, mental illness plays a key role. Mental illnesses are hard to understand but everyone should be educated about this growing epidemic and be aware of those suffering. Recognize the warning signs and invest in suicide prevention programs.

Sherri Williams

Deer Park