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Local support group looking to help prevent teen suicide

By Ray Gomez

Story Created: Nov 18, 2009

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2009

It’s being dubbed a silent epidemic.

Thousands of people die each year because of suicide. Now a group devoted to helping spot the warning signs is here in Laredo.

A local church is opening its doors to members of the Jason Foundation and Laurel Ridge Treatment Center out of San Antonio, all after hearing the alarming numbers of teenagers dying because of suicide and just how many are at risk in our own backyard:

“I had no idea my child felt that way. They never see it coming.”

The face of a typical teenager.... only Jason will never experience his 17th birthday.

Those are the usually secret stories mentors hear everyday from parents who have lost their children to suicide.

The epidemic is spreading, pushing many to break the silence:

“We know other parents who have gone through crisis like suicide.”

According to the Jason Foundation, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 through 24 and the second leading cause of death among college age youth.

Each week at least 100 young people will die in this nation after committing suicide, and the alarming rate may hit closer to home.

According to the CDC, Hispanic female high school students reported a higher percentage rate of suicide attempts in 2007, twice as many as their white counterparts.

This year alone, there have been 13 suicides in Laredo.

Last week, 6 teenagers attempted to end their lives.

“We can't eliminate the pain but we can informi parents to tell them what to watch out for.”

“They seem fine going out with their friends but then they’re not really themselves. They start giving away their possessions and they start shouting out little remarks maybe underneath their breath.”

With estimates showing that two young people are attempting suicide every minute, the goal today is keep more than dreams alive.

“We have to speak about his and let our kids know that we love them and we are concerned about them."

As if the numbers of suicides aren't alarming enough according to the CDC, among young adults ages 15 to 24, there are approximately 100 to 200 attempts for every completed suicide.