Can we please stop passively posting that ending it all is a viable solution to ANY problem? As part of a coalition working to prevent youth suicide here in Arizona, I am surrounded each month by people who have dedicated their time to addressing this heartbreaking reality.
We bring our collective experience and determination to the table, hoping to make an impact that might save even one child who’s silently struggling. The statistics we encounter are devastating, showing that some children, painfully young, are choosing to end their lives before they’ve truly begun. If you’ve been personally touched by suicide, you know it hits differently. It shakes the very foundation of your faith in humanity and challenges your understanding of life’s goodness.
I’m sharing this message in hopes that we all take a step back and think about the way we portray ourselves on social media. You might not realize who’s watching—whether it’s a friend’s child who’s struggling alone, or your own niece hiding her pain behind a smile. Those who feel compelled to end their lives often don’t display obvious signs, which is why these tragedies can take us by complete surprise.
This is a reminder to avoid making posts about “ending it all”—even if meant figuratively. Social media can be more addicting than heroin, creating a cycle of validation-seeking and dopamine hits. When we post about pain or hopelessness solely to fill an internal void, it can blur the line between temporary feelings and real-life need for help. Instead, let’s use social media responsibly and protect the vulnerable, especially those who might be silently absorbing these messages.
Let’s be there for one another in meaningful ways and reach out when we’re struggling—not for likes or comments, but for real, human connection. Let’s remember that the world needs our authenticity and our support, especially for those fighting a battle we may never see.