This is a very early draft, one of three that follow, and you can see in them an evolving sense of purpose.

Sarah

Many people think about it once, twice, maybe a few more times. I've thought about it and I admit that sometimes it seemed like the only solution to a problem with no answer. Sarah did more than just think about it. She actually did it. On February 16, 1996 my friend, Sarah Clark, committed suicide by slitting her wrists.

Late one night, I was studying when the phone rang. It was Sarah's mom, The sound of her voice made my stomach weak. I knew something was definitely wrong. My knees felt like rubber as I dropped to the soft carpet of my bedroom floor and began sobbing uncontrollably at the horrifying news. Sarah was found in her bathroom covered in blood as she lies dead on the ground.

"Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24 years old (Capuzzi 4). There are many different causes of teen suicide. "Psychologist say that depression, an overwhelming state of sadness or the feeling of hopelessness, is the root of nearly all teen suicides" (Ayer 16). Depression can be caused by a number of things including death, family problems, failure, new surroundings, and an end to a relationship. Hormonal changes can also bring on depression without warning.

Another cause of teen suicide is drug and alcohol abuse. "According to statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, one out of every nine teenagers are alcoholics and about 12 percent are regular users of marijuana" (Ayer 19). When the effects of drugs or alcohol wear off, users can become depressed. Consuming more drugs or alcohol to shake off the depression can lead to dependence. "Nearly half of all young suicide victims used alcohol or drugs just before they died, according to the American Association of Suicidology" (Gimbolic23). Many teens can kill themselves intentionally or unintentionally using these substances.

"Most sociologist agree that suicide often has its roots in the home environment" (Ayer 24). Members of dysfunctional families can experience high stress. This stress is usually occurs in teens that do not have good role models or the support and communication that is needed from family members. Adolescents sometimes do not get the love and attention that they need because they have two working parents or a single parent. Teens that come from families that do not express their feelings, either physically or verbally have a hard time discussion death, divorce, unemployment, and moving. Constant criticism from parents can lead a child to believe that he or shewill never live up to their standards. Whether mental, physical, or sexual, child abuse in many homes can lead to the cause of suicide.

Confusion over sexual identity and accepting one's sexual identity is also one of the many causes of suicide in teens, "It is estimated that gay and lesbian youths constitute 30 percent of all youth suicides annually" (Jones 32). Being gay is rarely accepted by teenagers.

Nearly all suicide victims send out warning signs that should alert friends and family of the seriousness of their situation. Recognizing these cries for help is often difficult because many of them appear to be common in teenage behavior.

An adolescent may make threats of suicide. "I'm going to kill myself'' 'I wish I was never born .. .. I can't take it anymore," are a few of the many statements that teenagers make about death and should be taken seriously. "These are statements of extreme frustration and concern, signaling a loss of hope with possibly nowhere to turn except suicide" (Patros 92). Severely depressed teenagers often dwell on death and show great interest in any news story or conversation that involves death.

Most teens want to have hairstyles, clothes, and shoes that are "in." A lack of concern for personal appearance may be a cry for help. Also giving away personal items that are of importance might be an important indication that the teen is preparing for death.

Noticing a change in personality, extreme moodiness, or depression are possible warning signs of suicide. With these moods often come tears, silent sobbing, or a continually sad look and it is rare for the troubled teen to smile and laugh. Loosing interest in friends, hobbies, sports, or school are clues that are connected with depression. The depressed teen spends long periods of time alone instead of having a social life.

Without realizing it, some suicidal teens try to starve themselves. Others eat all of the time. Sleeping most of the day or having trouble sleeping are gestures of trouble. Changes in eating and sleeping habits are major signals of suicide.

A sudden increase in risk taking and rebellious behavior, running away from home, alcohol or drug abuse, and a history of previous suicide attempts are a just a few more of the many cries for help. All of these signs are important and can help lead to prevention of suicide if detected.

I have known Sarah ever since the 7th grade and I should have noticed some of the obvious signs of suicide, but I didn't. Doing research for this paper and learning the many different causes and reasons for adolescent suicide has helped me to understand some of the reasons that teens attempt and commit suicide. It leaves me with many questions as to why Sarah killed herself. I always thought she was perfect. Sarah had everything; a loving family, many friends, she was great at sports and had a steady boyfriend. I now realize that her life wasn=t as great as I thought, no one=s is.