Last week Douglas lost one of its community members in a heartbreaking death. A teenage boy committed suicide. Many speculations have been made on why he did it. The true reason may never be known.

What we do know is that there was a tragic death to a beautiful life. His family and friends share the burden of his death.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Department, (CDC) for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. It results in approximately 4600 lives lost each year.

In a nationwide survey of youth in grades 9–12 in public and private schools, in the U.S. alone CDC reported 16 percent of students reported seriously considering suicide, and 13 percent reported creating a plan.

Suicide affects all youth, some groups are at higher risk than others. Boys are more likely than girls to die from suicide. Of the reported suicides in the 10 to 24 age group, 81 percent of the deaths were males and 19 percent were females. Girls, however, are more likely to report attempting suicide than boys.

Sometimes, there are signs that a person is considering suicide, such as a reluctance to make plans or have become withdrawn from friends or family. Often, the signs can be seen only in retrospect.

This teenager’s family and friends may never know what compelled him to take this action.

Death by suicide may only take moments, but its aftershock lasts forever.

Our hearts go out to the family and our thoughts and prayers are with them during their time of need.

“This is not your only choice you have other choices,” Douglas High School Counselor Lucy Rosario said she has told teens in the same situation. There is help available in Douglas and at their schools.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, seek help. Talk to a friend, a family member you confide in, or your school counselor.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know contact the Cenpatico’s crises line at 1-866-495-6735 they will arrange for you to get help. Cenpatico provides mental health care for the Douglas and surrounding areas. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.