On Suicide

In 2005, there were 32,627 deaths by suicide, according to the Center for Disease Control.
The problem is that it's such a taboo issue that nobody will even talk about it. As such, anyone with suicidal thoughts feels as though there is something wrong with them, and is highly unlikely to discuss their problems, for fear of being treated as an even greater outcast. Which ultimately allows for them to only grow worse. Likewise, most people don't even think of the issue, since it's so rarely discussed, and as such, it's rare for someone to be able to truly understand. Many people can't even take it seriously, often looking at it as a mild irrationality.
Too many times, people look at it simply as a plea for attention, when really it is a cry for help.
And all too often, the signs are blatantly present, but nobody can see them, as nobody knows how to recognize it.
My belief is that the best solution to this problem is communication and education. Even if it's not a problem you've experienced yourself, you should do the research, learn about the warning signs, and discover ways to help. If anyone you know and care about even seems the least bit out of character, then talk to them. Even if they're not suicidal, every single one of us is human, and we all need a shoulder to lean on sometimes. I truly believe that we have an inherent tendency to forget that even in times when our world feels as it should be, times aren't always perfect for those around us. It's important to remember that.
Suicide is not a pleasant topic, but it's a tragic part of the world we live in. With a little effort, I believe it can be curbed, however. It really doesn't take all that much to save a life.

Here are some sites that offer a lot of great resources for education and prevention, as well as some helpful topics for those who are feeling suicidal. If you are reading this, please take a few moments to read through them. It could make a difference.

SAVE:
http://www.save.org


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
http://www.afsp.org

National Institute of Mental Health:
http://http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Yellow Ribbon:
http://http://www.yellowribbon.org/