Suicide and depression are issues that should no longer be ignored or hidden in 2015.

Although the two subjects relate to mental health, they sometimes come with negative feelings and stigma, caused by a lack of knowledge and understanding of the growing acknowledgement in society.

The Mayo Clinic describes depression as a “mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.” The illness affects a person’s thoughts, mood and behavior which lead to a multitude of physical and emotional problems.

Suicide is the act of ending one’s own life and has become the third leading cause of death in 15 to 24-year-olds.

In recent years, suicide rates have increased, with 41,149 reported suicides in 2013. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, depression is the cause of over two-thirds of reported suicides each year.

Though sensitive topics, suicide and depression should not be hidden.  People should not be afraid to talk about them.

Fear of depression can cause one not to acknowledge a problem. Depression is a serious illness that should not be taken lightly, especially if one diagnosed with depression is suicidal.

Ignoring the possibility of depression or suicide will not make anyone better. The stigma surrounding depression and suicide negatively affects those who are experiencing them and can prevent people from getting treatment due to the risk of being outcast, humiliated or shamed.

If people are not exposed to facts about these issues, the problems surrounding depression and suicide will not be solved. Numbers will continue to grow.  

Depression and suicide must be addressed by acknowledging that these are serious problems and those suffering can be helped. Mental illness is not a choice; people are not choosing to appear depressed or seeming suicidal.