Middle School
Worksheets
Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Awareness Week
Reading Comprehension for May 2
Note: The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) sponsors National Suicide Awareness Week. National Suicide Awareness Week is the week, Monday through Sunday, including World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10. Founded in 1968, the primary goal of AAS is increased understanding of and prevention of suicide.
Today's topic is a tough one to talk about - suicide. According to an article put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 60% of high school students admitted in a survey to having thought about killing themselves. That is 100% too many! Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. That is incredibly sad. May is Mental Health Month. Now is a good time to take a hard look at this issue and learn ways to help prevent teen suicide.
Suicidal thoughts and actions are experienced by all kinds of people, no matter what their age, race, gender, religion, financial status, or level of popularity is. Suicide may stem from depression or other forms of mental illness, but it can also result from a teen's personal experience with violence, death, loss of a loved one, or friends who have killed themselves. A feeling of hopelessness ensues. The good news that everyone needs to know is that depression and suicidal feelings are treatable. There is help available. There are people out here who truly care! Suicide is not the answer. A crisis is temporary; death is permanent.
