Dear Future President,

1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 commit suicide each year (1).

Nearly 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year (2).

On average, 1 person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes (3).

These statistics, although large in size, go unrecognized by the general public, and in most cases, to those affected by depression and suicide as well.Adolescent depression is a common illness that will “impact nearly 20% of teens before they reach adulthood” (4). Unfortunately, lack of knowledge, stereotypes, and even shame associated with mental illness often prevents teens from getting the help they deserve. “80% of teens with depression are going unrecognized and untreated due to a lack of appropriate mental health education and deep rooted cultural stigma” (5). In order to efficiently eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, we need to educate teachers, parents, young adults, and schools about mental illness.

Students deserve to learn about what adolescent depression is and how to manage it.The education of mental illness will reduce the stereotypes and shame that often arise when talking about depression. When the misconceptions are broken down, and facts are openly shared about depression, children and their families are empowered to talk openly - cultivating an environment that supports mental health. Mental health positivity and education also encourages early identification and awareness. “When communities understand what teen depression looks like, we create a collaborative system between parents, schools, health providers, and the community for individuals to get the help they need” (6). As a result, early intervention is encouraged, and even welcome. “When everyone has the same mental health “language” and understands that like any other medical conditions, depression requires professional support, help-seeking behavior is supported and encouraged” (7). Finally, and most importantly, depression education will protect countless amounts of lives. With early identification and intervention, many can and will be saved.

Depression that is untreated, undiagnosed, or ineffectively treated is the number 1 cause of suicide. Let’s change that.

Best regards,

Olivia Packard

1 DoSomething.org. (2016) Retrieved October 28, 2016. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-suicide

2 DoSomething.org. (2016) Retrieved October 28, 2016. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-suicide

3 DoSomething.org. (2016) Retrieved October 28, 2016. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-suicide

4 Teenage Depression Programs | Erika's Lighthouse. (2016). Retrieved October 28, 2016, from http://www.erikaslighthouse.org/

5 Teenage Depression Programs | Erika's Lighthouse. (2016). Retrieved October 28, 2016, from http://www.erikaslighthouse.org/

6 Teenage Depression Programs | Erika's Lighthouse. (2016). Retrieved October 28, 2016, from http://www.erikaslighthouse.org/

7 Teenage Depression Programs | Erika's Lighthouse. (2016). Retrieved October 28, 2016, from http://www.erikaslighthouse.org/