An unprecedented surge in teen and young adult suicide rates in the past few years has led to studies that link the glamorization of suicide in pop culture.

The study shows that suicide rates are the highest they have been in the last two decades, with the annual percentage of teen suicides increasing by 10 percent. This increase seems to particularly affect boys, as there was a 21 percent increase in young men dying from sucide just in the last 2 years. 

The reason for such an increase in adolescent and young adult suicides is unclear, but an obvious trend is developing. 

A study done by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  linked the inclusion and glamorization of suicide in pop culture to the increase in real suicide rates.  The study looked into the suicides of all teenagers and young adults after the release of the hit Netflix show 13 Reasons Why. 

The data showed that in just one month after the show was released, suicide rates of teenagers and young adults reached their peak since 2012. The data is correlational, so it’s unclear if any of the suicides were actually influenced by the Netflix show, but that doesn’t stop experts from trying to make a connection.

While it is hard to pin down why this increase is happening, it is mostly important to try to prevent more deaths from occurring. The warning signs can be vague, but sometimes include withdrawing from social situations, using alcohol or drugs more frequently or experiencing sudden mood swings. 

If you or anyone you know are experiencing any of these feelings or thoughts of suicide, you can contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach out to the Counseling Center at UNF, which aims to help students better their mental health.

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