Our Voice: We must all be vigilant to prevent suicide

A photo accompanying a recent story about teen suicides in Prosser shows three smiling youngsters at a third-grade party at school.

Fast forward to 2015, when between March and October, two of the three in the photo killed themselves.

How could this happen? Why? What could have been done to stop such tragedies?

Those are the common questions following any suicide. How did we miss the signs? Or did we see something that should have caused alarm but dismissed it and now regret it?

The two Prosser students who died by their own hand this year had involved parents. One a teacher, one a school board member. The young woman who died was social and loved horses and outdoor activities. The young man may have not been as social, but he was engaged, attending Running Start and high school simultaneously.

Both are incredibly missed by families that will never be the same and a community wondering how this could have happened.

For any of us who have not struggled with depression or demons, it’s hard to understand what could be so bad that you’d want to stop living. For those struggling with thoughts of it every day, it’s a different story.

For them, death sometimes seems like the answer to life.

Hundreds of teens have suicidal thoughts each year in our community, and hundreds will attempt it. We’re thankful for those who are unsuccessful and sorrowful for those who succeed.

The dilemma is how to prevent an attempt from happening at all. We need to show teens they have much to look forward to. Many of us can say that life as an adult can be better than it was in high school.

We need to make sure our youngsters know that they are loved and there is much beyond what can seem like overwhelming challenges during the teenage years.

What’s often debated is who is responsible for providing what’s needed to keep these kids from seeing death as an alternative. As a parent of one of the Prosser teens said: “We just need to work together. We have to quit believing it’s somebody else’s charge.”

Be vigilant with your friends, family and acquaintances. If they don’t seem quite right, reach out. Provide a shelter or a shoulder or a friend who’ll help navigate mental health care.

There are resources available to those in need of help or those who suspect someone they know may be in need of help.

Those in crisis and needing someone to talk to can call: 800-273-TALK (8255) or 866-4-U-TREVOR (8-87367) or text “START” to 741-741. The Benton-Franklin Crisis Response Center is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and can be reached at 509-783-0500.

For more information on preventing youth suicide, go to the Youth Suicide Prevention Program website at www.yspp.org.

As with any suicide, we’re left with more questions than answers. We’re not immune at the Tri-City Herald, having lost one of our own to suicide this year. And just last week, a popular, always-smiling server at a nearby restaurant took his own life. It’s not just teenagers who need help.

We need to work harder as a community to make sure young and old know that there is help, there is support to get through struggles and there is joy in life.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Our Voice: We must all be vigilant to prevent suicide."