There is a massive stigma globally surrounding suicide and substance abuse/addiction.

stigma (n.) - attitudes and beliefs that lead people to reject, avoid, or fear those they perceive as being different.

This stigma is a major reason why suicide and fatal drug overdose are great contributors to the deaths of adolescents. Stigma causes people to feel shame for how they are feeling or what they are going through which makes them not want to talk about it and internalize that struggle.

Statistics

In 2016, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 15-24. (CDC)

From 2007 - 2017, attempted suicide rates have remained consistent, but there have been increased rates in the considering and planning of suicides, as well as the amount of injuries caused by suicide attempts.

Victims of bullying are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than those who don’t. (Bullying Statistics)

In a survey questioning individuals ages 18-24, they were asked if they knew anyone between the ages of 15-24 that had committed suicide or died as a result of a drug overdose. In both questions, the majority of responses was “yes”.

After dropping for a few years, it went up to 3.7 deaths for every 100,000 teens. That translates into a total of 772 teen overdose deaths in 2015. (National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens)

After 2015, the rates continued to rise. Between 2015 and 2016, the death rate due to drug overdose rose 28% for individuals ages 15-24, which was the second highest percentage increased. The only age group above was 25-34 at 29%. (CDC)

Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-TALK(8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline:

1-800-622-HELP(4357)