By Klaudia Teksten and Veronika Sedlak
Our names are Klaudia Teksten and Veronika Sedlak and we are local eighth-graders from Lincoln Public Schools. We are working on our civics action project researching teen suicide prevention. Teen mental health is something that affects more people than we often realize, yet it is not always talked about openly. The suicide rate has increased by 30% in the past two decades and as of now is the third-leading cause of death among those ages 15-29 years old. As students working within this topic, our goal is to help raise awareness and make it easier for teens to get support before their struggles become more serious.
The leading cause of teen suicide has proven to be depression and anxiety. Many young people experience overwhelming stress, pressure, loneliness, or feelings of hopelessness which can build up over time. These issues can occur from negative self-esteem, having been the victim or witness or violence, having a learning disability, as well as abusive use of alcohol, nicotine, and/or drugs. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, women experience depression and anxiety about twice as much as men due to factors like hormones and pregnancy. Helping teens feel heard and supported can make a meaningful difference in preventing a crisis.
One of the most important things we have learned is that many teens who are struggling do not always ask for help directly. Because of this, it is important for friends, families, teachers, and community members to recognize signs.
Some common signs that a teen may be struggling include noticeable changes in mood or behavior. This could look like becoming more withdrawn, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, isolating themselves from families and friends, writing good-bye letters, and/or if an individual is talking about suicide. Other signs might include changes in sleep patterns or changes in eating habits. Increased irritability, difficulty focusing, or a sudden drop in school performance can also be warning signs.
It is also important to pay attention to what people say. Even small comments about feeling hopeless or overwhelmed can be meaningful. While not every sign means something serious is happening, patterns or multiple changes at once are worth noticing.
Through our project, we have been working to better understand how teens can access support. We spoke with our school counselor to learn about the resources available in our school and how students can get connected to additional help when needed. We also learned about the William James College INTERFACE Referral Service, which provides support outside of school and can be an important step for many students.
These conversations helped us realize that support systems do exist, but not everyone knows about them or feels comfortable using them. That is why awareness is so important. If more people know what to look out for and how to respond, it becomes easier for teens to get help early on.
So what can you do if you think someone might be struggling?
First, check in with them. This does not have to be a big formal conversation. Simply asking “Are you okay?” can make a huge difference. Listening without judgement is one of the most important things you can do.
Second, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult. This could be a parent, teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult they feel comfortable with. You do not need to get all the answers; helping them connect to someone who can support them is what matters.
Finally, take concerns seriously. If something feels off, it’s always better to speak up than to stay silent. Looking out for one another is an important part of building a supportive community.
Our project is not just about learning; it is about making change. By sharing this information, we hope to help our school and Lincoln community become more aware, more supportive, and more prepared to help teens who may be struggling. Everyone has a role to play. Sometimes, noticing small changes and reaching out can make a bigger difference than we realize.
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