Teen Suicide: Nationwide Ordeal

According to Abilene police, a 16-year-old Abilene student took his own life last week. However this local teen is not the only young person to make a such a permanent decision. Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers, only behind car wrecks and homicides. Other stats show that 17 percent of high school students have considered suicide in the past year. Additionally, teenage girls are more likely than teen boys to attempt suicide, but boys are more likely to actually complete a suicide attempt because they don't seek help. And 47 percent of youth are using a firearm when committing suicide.

Here in Abilene, the Child and Adolescent Services of the Betty Hardwick Center works with young people dealing with suicide, depression, and other mental illnesses. The Betty Hardwick Center is the mental health authority here in Taylor County. The center also services five surrounding counties: Callahan, Jones, Shackelford and Stephens county.  When it comes to adolescent mental health, the center provides face-to-face and over-the-phone screenings and assessments.  The center also provides skills training, respite services and medication-related services.

The center also has a 24-hour hotline to deal with mental related crisis. That number is 1-800-758-3344.

For more information on the warning signs of depression and suicide, visit their website at www.bhcmhmr.org.