By Katherine Leaffer ‘22
K.M.S.
Kill myself.
Two words. I have heard it from teenagers. I have seen it online. Two words that can change someone’s life.
“I want to kill myself” is a statement that is being abbreviated to “KMS.” ”KMS” is defined as, “usually used in a joking manner, not to be taken literal or as a suicidal threat.” People suffer from depression while other people joke about it. “KMS” is a serious statement that should be taken into consideration that this is a warning sign.
I’m fed up with people saying that they are “depressed.” Like depression is a small feeling of sadness. It is the feeling of numbness. When you wake up in the morning and want to go back to sleep because you are scared. You are scared of feeling numb and that darkness will fill your day.
More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, combined.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-24 years. Suicide rates in teenagers are climbing every year. They are not given the help they need to surpass this part of their life. Depression is the top risk factor, but there are various other mental health disorders that can contribute to suicide, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Teenagers experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, and pressure to succeed. The world is a hectic place, but sometimes it gets too hectic for adults to realize what is impacting teenagers.
Sadness fills the eyes of teenagers every day. They are constantly being judged for their looks and personality. People are being judged if they are LGBTQ or straight. I’ve seen boys and girls being judged and talked about behind their back because they are different. They are not “normal.” What exactly is normal in this society? Normal is conforming to standards. When we stand out from the crowd, we are unique. Stop being ashamed for who you are and embrace it.
As a sisterhood and brotherhood, we need to come together. We need to respect and love others for who they are. We are a family. If you could make it through yesterday, you can make it through today. If a person who is struggling, knows they are loved by at least one person, it can save a life. Our story isn’t over yet;