A global issue about suicide cases among teenagers is very alarming and is constantly increasing in numbers. Every 40 seconds, someone somewhere dies, that is according to the data of Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO), making it as the third leading cause of death in teenagers aged 15-to-19-year-old. WHO pointed out that over 79 percent of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2016 and the Philippines is one of this countries.
Many suicide cases occur in moments of crisis because of inability to handle life stresses, such as financial problems, family conflicts, illnesses and emotional instability. Suicidal person is good at faking their emotions and actions. They can manipulate their own feelings and pretends to be okay even if they’re not. Most of the victims suffer from abuse, violence, anxiety and depression resulting to a very miserable ending. Pondering if there were enough reasons to stay and continue living.
There were claims that committing suicide is an escape from reality and a way to obliterate the pain. A permanent solution to a temporary life circumstances. It is said that the victims don’t want to end their lives but to end their misery. A claim that is one sided and sometimes unacceptable and lame. A twisted opinion and gibberish assertion. It is only a part of the whole thing, there is more to this. This incident does not only affect the victims but also to the people that have been there throughout their journey.
The people that were left behind, the family, friends, and relatives of the victim are in agony. Thinking what was the reason behind why the person they cherished and cared for, chose to abscond. Leaving them with a note saying that“they can’t make it.” Leaving only waves fleeting memories with them. Giving them a heavy heart and letting their thoughts wander in an endless ‘what if’s’. Wondering why their love and affection wasn’t enough to make the person stay. To fight and defeat his/her demons and everything that burdens her/his life.
However, we cannot judge those people who commit suicide. Surely they want to combat and live their lives the way they want it. But can’t, because they felt like no one was there for them. That no one is willing to battle with them to fight back. That nobody cares, leading to a gloomier feeling. Blocking their sights, preventing them to see the person that values their being. There is actually someone who watches them from a distance and genuinely cares for them.
We are not in their shoes. We may discern how it feels like, but we can never really fathom how they are feeling from the inside. They maybe a broken piece and dying. We may think that their battles are way easier than ours, nonetheless it is still a battle. We deal with it differently and actually face it with distinctive means.
Always remember that God is always on our side. The word of God in Psalms 55:22 “Cast your burden to the Lord and He will sustain you.” His true to His words, He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed spirit.
Suicide is a very controversial and serious matter that cannot be neglected nor ignored. It is a threat to the security of the youth that was referred to as “the hope of nation” according to our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. But because of today’s phenomenon it has come to a blur vision.
But if we are together we are stronger. Together, let us fight this stigma and put it under our feet. Let’s break free from this chain and see the goodness of life that lies ahead. If we will just believe, we can do it. We can conquest this heights.
Jie Sagaral 