The film intended to further get an understanding on how an expert in Teen Suicide thinks about the topic. In many ways, the best way to learn is to listen to what an expert has to say about a topic, and then pull the things you like from their piece and apply it to yourself. Although it's a darker topic, Teen Suicide is a very sad thing but it does happen, and it's happening as an increasing rate these days. This can be the case for a multitude of reasons as stated on a Stanford Children's hospital website, "a long-standing history of problems at home or school, Suffer from low self-esteem, Believe no one cares, Are depressed, Abuse alcohol or drugs, and have experienced other acutely stressful events, such as an unwanted pregnancy, trouble with the law, or not meeting high parental expectations" (Default, n.p.). Bringing awareness opens up people's perspectives. Many people don't understand suicide all that much which is why it's important to get the word out on how it happens, and what you can do to help.
We believe it has a lot to do with people in America not being as close to each other within communities. For example, simple acts of kindness and human interaction can do a lot for a person, but because there is a lack of that within this society, it seems that there is a disconnect. This does not directly cause suicide or depression but it helps when a human being has to deal with their struggles and problems alone. A small thing such as the presence of another person can help someone, being there makes that person not feel alone, so they can feel like they do have options to turn to. That's all my opinion though. That's easy though, to be there for one another, but the real problem is, who needs it the most? That's actually what Sara Levi speaks about, the signs that may show depression and suicidal thoughts. An article called Recognizing Suicidal Behavior by Joseph Goldberg states "Suicide can't be prevented with certainty, but risks can often be reduced with timely intervention. Research suggests that the best way to prevent suicide is to know the risk factors, be alert to the signs of depression and other mental disorders, recognize the warning signs for suicide, and intervene before the person can complete the process of self-destruction" (2).
A mistake that is commonly seen by adults is a lack of understanding for the other person. What I mean is that adults are sympathetic, not empathetic. Whatever the reason may be, adults could think that they've been through it themselves so maybe the same advice could work for them. In reality, this hurts the relationship from creating depth and puts a wall up immediately when something like "You just have to deal with it" or "Just get over it" is said. This does tie into the fact that every human is different, that no human can ever truly understand each other, but the point of empathy is so that just maybe, that other human being doesn't have to feel alone dealing with their demons. There is a fine line of sympathy and empathy which often has the adults feeling more sympathetic and their peers to be more empathetic. Empathy elicits a feeling that people aren't cornered. It gives a sense of, "Hey, this person knows what it's like to be in my shoes, they get me" which can help someone open themselves up like a door as mentioned by Sara Levi within the interview.
There is a bigger responsibility as a human than to just be empathetic to your peers, but to bond and connect. The authenticity of it all keeps everyone comfortable as relationships grow. People are human beings, they can tell when someone isn't being sincere, and that can lead to people feeling hopeless. That is why there needs to be awareness because reminding people these kinds of things can cause people who generally don't do anything to maybe do something, one good act of kindness that makes someone's day. That's what makes us, human.
Works Cited
“Default - Stanford Children's Health.” Stanford Children's Health - Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=teen-suicide-learning-to-recognize-the-warning-signs-1-1696
Dodd, Johnny. “TEENS SAVING TEENS Preventing Youth Suicides.” People, vol. 92, no. 1, July 2019, pp. 104–107. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=a9h&AN=137066847&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Goldberg, Joseph. “How to Recognize Symptoms of Suicidal Behavior.” WebMD, WebMD, 2 Mar. 2018, www.webmd.com/mental-health/recognizing-suicidal-behavior#1.
Houston, Jackie. "The Dangers of the Endless Scroll: Social Media use as a Mental." University Wire, 04 Oct 2016. sirsissuesresearcher, explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2265378866?accountid=1977.
Levi, Sara. Interview.
Posner, Kelly. "Preventing Suicide." USA Today (Online), 07 Feb 2018. sirsissuesresearcher, explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2264371535?accountid=1977.
Whalen, Jeanne. "Youth Suicidal Behavior is on the Rise, especially among Girls." 2018. sirsissuesresearcher, explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2265662120?accountid=1977.