Suicide not only affects the victims, but also has a terrifying emotional impact on surviving families and friends. All loved ones suffer from the death. Parents feel ashamed, burden, or even guilty. Toni Hamilton, a parent of a teen who committed suicide, explains her feeling in a poem: "When someone takes their own life it causes so much pain the hurt it runs so deep never to be the same. Many people filled with guilt asking why didn't I see? Such a senseless act. Why aren't you here with me? It matters no the reason or who has done the deep..."(1)
Teens that attempt suicide or commit suicide are making a choice not to live. If young people have more options to programs, such as suicide education, hot lines, and prevention programs, they will be less likely to choose suicide. As a result in making them realize the value of life, it will give them the will to live. With such a high rate of teen suicide, more teens should attend those programs provided to receive the necessary help they need to choose life over death.
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