Death Isn’t a Fix – It’s a Thief

In many High School English classes, freshmen read Romeo and Juliet as a tragic love story. Numerous students often overlook the fact in which two teenagers take their own lives.

Recently during a class lesson, students were questioned to agree or disagree on a sensitive topic. “Suicide is Sometimes Acceptable,” had been mentioned, referring to Romeo and Juliet. Surprisingly, the majority of students had agreed to the controversial statement.

The suicides are now romanticized and leads to the idea suicide is beautiful and noble. Suicide is not just a personal decision, it is a public tragedy and we must stop treating it like an acceptable escape and cheat.

“Life is worth living even if you're going through hard times. There’s always a reason to stay alive. You’re wasting your life away and there’s always something for you out there,” freshman Titus Tolman expresses.

It is quite impossible to predict the future for anyone. No matter how painful or hopeless life may feel in the present, the future remains unknown.

“Many people find hope from religion, goals, or faith. Suicide is a permanent decision to depression and the worst decision,”  freshman Olivia Frasso comments. “There are millions of different ways to find an outlet to depression; suicide is not one of them.”

Many going through tough times struggle when finding their silver lining and overall happiness. Faith and hope, whether it’s religious or spiritual, offers connection and a foundation for healing. Finding this pathway gives many a purpose in life and a reason to keep striving.

“One not committing suicide does not mean they are no longer depressed,” freshman Kylee Scott deeply vocalizes.

Avoiding suicide is not equivalent to one being healed. Emotional wounds are not always visible. Self-harm, withdrawal, or suicidal actions should never be the first indicators we notice, by then, the person has already been suffering in silence for far too long. 

Romanticizing suicide sends a dangerous message: that death is a solution. But death doesn’t solve pain, it spreads it. Suicide does not only affect the victim, but loved ones around them, leaving behind guilt and permanent scars.

Life has meaning, even if you can't see it yet. There is help, and there is hope. And that hope is stronger than one may think.