Suicide has a blurred history when it comes to the question, “Why?” “People who commit suicided are generally depressed or experiencing a distressing personal response to stressors in their life to an extreme degree, or a combination of the two,” school psychologist George Green said. “Not everyone responds the same to personal stressors and some individuals are at risk for suicide when responding to traumatic events or personal stressors whereas others may be at no risk at all.”

A source from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, who asked to be identified only as Audrey due to confidentiality issues, agreed. “It’s usually caused by depression,” Audrey who had to stay anonymous said. “People often feel depressed and feel that they’re beyond getting help. That no one can help them, or that no one’s capable of helping them.”

Based on national surveys, approximately 4 percent of high school students are suffering from chronic depression. “With nearly 2000 students at Gunn, that means nearly 80 students would experience an episode of depression some time during a year,” Green said. “It is not that uncommon.”

The causes of depression, like suicide, are diverse and widespread. “The cause of deprssion is either biological (genetic) or a reaction to personal stressors, or more commonly a combination of the bilological and reactive to life stressors,” Green said. “Some individuals are more prone to depression as a result of these factors and then more prone to become depressed in reaction to stressful events in their lives.” However, according to Green, the reason or reasons that cause a person to go over the edge and to follow through with suicide may not be based on depression alone. “It is a combination of things,” Green said.

Before someone commits suicide, chances are that the person will confide in someone else before following through. “70 percent of people who commit suicide talk to someone before they do it,” she said. “A big thing is for people to take it more seriously. Teenagers will often confess to their friends. Suicide is usually something that is secretive. If someone tells you, it’s a really big deal.”

Audrey also said that changes in behavior should also be noted. “Just being aware of warning signs,” Audrey said. “Depression is a really big sign. Often they start doing things like writing a will. People will all of a sudden get happy, but it’s usually because the person’s come to terms with killing themselves. They just realize that they will soon no longer be in pain. They will have trouble sleeping or stop eating. Sometimes they start using drugs or using more drugs.”

According to Jack Cackler, a live-in director of the Stanford Bridge counseling services, there are a couple warning signs. “Probably a big thing is having a stigma towards talking about mental health,” he said. “People want to feel strong and in control, and it is very difficult for them to get the help they need.”

In addition, drugs and alcohol often play a part in suicide. “About 50 percent of suicides occur when people are drunk or on drugs,” Audrey said, citing the impulsivity that drugs and alcohol induce in a person. According to Audrey, some people also purposefully take drugs to ensure successful completion of the act.

If someone is contemplating suicide, or knows of someone who is, Audrey gave a few words of advice . “Talk to someone you know,” she said. “Talk to someone you trust.”

The main way students can get involved in preventing suicide is by being aware and by being able to recognize when someone is feeling depressed or suicidal. Bridge teaches a method called “QPR”—question, persuade, refer. “They can ask the person directly and give advice,” Cackler said. “They should also be aware of resources.”

Depressed adolescents often become introverted from their parents and family, according to Cackler. Cackler says the best way for family to reach the child is to be open. “I think they can get involved by being open in a non-threatening way,” he said. “The end goal is the person’s safety.”

People’s reactions to suicide are often mixed. “Often people feel very, very devastated because a lot of the times the people are left asking why but the one person who knows is gone,” Audrey said. “And suicide is completely preventable. They are often left with a lot of guilt and anger. It’s a really confusing place to be. When someone murders your friend, all of your anger lies with the murderer. But in the case of a suicide, your friend murdered themselves.”

Support groups, talking with someone you trust and therapy are recommended. “People often join support groups,” Audrey said. “You should seek out therapy. Find someone to speak professionally about it.” Green agreed. “If you are depressed the first thing that you should find an adult and talk to them,” he said. “This is the best thing you can do because they can help you find someone to help or help you get medication which usually helps people who are depressed. You can talk to me or you can talk to any of the guidance staff. If not you can also talk to Adolescent Counseling Services.”

—Additonal reporting by Niki Mata