One thing that stood out to me was when you said ” I never thought that life could change from one moment to another.” I feel the same way too, because a year ago when everyone had to stay at home the only thing that I could think was ” for how long am I supposed to stay here,” the first weeks were really hard for me because I am that kind of person who hangs out a lot with my friends and family and I also love to do things outside and now I had to stay in my house for more than a week. I felt overwhelmed and stressed because my apartment is too small and I lived with 5 people. Another thing that I liked about your essay is when you said ” The government said it would end soon.” This sentence is fun for me because I clearly remember when the government said that it would be over every 2 weeks and we have been in the same situation for around a year.

Hello camila, unfortunately, the situation we are going through right now is a bit difficult for some people as an example I really like to go out because of this that I almost do not go out to have fun with my friends

Dear Leslie:
I am afraid because like you said this pandemic is not a joke in your post, “Crisis in Minnesota and California” because… even myself I lost a family member and even my friend has covid right now as I write this I hope he gets well soon.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “ I was surprised because I thought this virus was going to be something simple like the flu or something like that.’ I think this is true because… at first I thought the same; I thought this virus was like the flu or a cold that people get and they get sick and they drink medicine and they get well but with this virus, it is different than that because this virus can kill people.
In another sentence that I liked, you said: “I asked Johathan about life before the pandemic, he said, ‘I used to go out to the parks, attending school a normal routine has changed a lot.'” I feel the same as Jonathan because my life has changed too, for example, I used to go out with my friends and I used to go to school and now I can do that because of the pandemic. This stood out for me because it is important to learn about this virus because we don’t know if this virus is going to end at some point so we need to take care and be safe.
Have you seen this article? https://www.ycteenmag.org/issues/WEB/From_the_Bronx_to_Brandeis.html?story_id=WEB-2020-03-23p I thought you might be interested in this because in this article she talks about how her life was good before the pandemic and when the pandemic came her life was not the same because her mom lost her job.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because… I really like articles like this because they bring joy to people’s faces.

Dear Leslie,
I found your post “No More Suicides!” emotional because I have experienced the loss of a close friend due to depression. I agree with you that this is a serious topic that needs to be discussed more frequently. I think it’s disappointing that some people don’t take depression seriously and think that people could just get over it like nothing. Depression can emotionally and physically bring down a person due to many reasons, and for the most part, people don’t realize you can be going through it which is why you should never judge anyone because you don’t understand what’s going on with their life. I would also encourage parents like you mentioned to check up on your children because the simplest “How was your day?” can make them feel much better and supported.

One sentence you wrote that stood out to me was, “People think that it is better to end their life and thus their problems would end, but it is not like that,” This sentence right here needs to be heard by everyone. Please don’t turn to what you may think is the quickest route to end your suffering, there will always be someone there willing to hear you out, but to do so you must speak up. We want to hear from you, you matter, everyone does!

Thank you for writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because I would like to continue to hear more about serious issues that need to be addressed more often.

-Yamile

*If you are ever thinking about suicide PLEASE CALL 1-800-273-8255 (The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)*

Dear Leslie, I found your post, “No More Suicides” devastating knowing that more and more people face the problem of depression which causes suicide. It is frustrating and saddening knowing that people go through some problems and don’t get the help they need. At times, they can find it difficult receiving help and also finding people that will listen to their problems. Depression can be categorized differently for each and every person, but although depression has different categories, the emotional distraught it brings to the person can bring them down. I personally went through depression in my life, and it was just emotionally tough to deal with things. Going out for help was pointless and I just felt that I wasn’t enough for people and their times. I then started to reconsider things and started to open up. Those who have gone through depression or are going through it right now, should open up to the most trustworthy person you know or you can always call the The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

One line that stood out from your post was that, “But remember that you are not alone, fortunately there are people who can help you treat the depression that you are going through, do not shut up, talk, do not be afraid, think about yourself.” This sentence should be understood by everyone and should be taken into consideration. It is true, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There will always be someone there for you no matter how much you deny them, the help and the companionship are always going to be there for someone battling depression.

Thank you for writing this, I would like for you to write more about serious topics that could really affect and positively change one’s’s life.

-Juan

Dear Leslie, I found your post, “No More Suicides!” very important to our world. Right now, at this time, someone could be going through severe depression and possibly thinking of ending their life. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see so many young people go through situations where they think about suicide. Even the smallest word, smallest act, smallest thought, can change someone’s life drastically. So, check up on your close friends, family, coffee barista, whoever it is, it can change their lives in an instant.
I particularly like when you said, “But remember that you are not alone, fortunately there are people who can help you treat the depression that you are going through, do not shut up, talk, do not be afraid, think about yourself.” It is very important for people to talk about their problems and feelings, not to bottle everything up and one day let it all out in the worst way possible…suicide. People have to know that they aren’t alone, we are there for them, we will listen to their story about how they found their favorite candy at the store. We will stay up all night together venting all of our feelings. We will listen…never forget that.

Hello Leslie,
Teenage mental health is something of a minefield these days… its hard to know exactly what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to. It can be easy to question if you’re doing more harm than good. But I think your article walks that tightrope; not only addressing the issue of teen suicide, but providing ideas and resources for its address. I’m glad to know the conversation continues, as it is not always an easy one to have. But I think that at the end of the day, we are all called to be there for one another and provide support for our brothers and sisters in times of need, and I am glad to see you acting on that calling.
Best, Sam

Leslie, this is a conversation that is so important and I’m glad that you wrote about it. Teen suicide is sadly something that is common. It is not hard to find someone that is struggling and needs help, yet everyone is too scared to talk about it because everyone thinks they are alone. I really liked how you made it clear that these people are not alone, and that they should not have to go through this all by themselves. Thank you for writing a post about something so important. I hope you continue to write on this topic and educate others on the importance of mental health.
– Olivia Vandersteen

Dear Leslie, I first want to thank you for posting this article. I totally agree with you, suicide is one of the major problems in the world, however, people are not paying much attention to it. As you mentioned, people mostly think it is an action to draw attention. But that’s is not true at all. I also felt like I was having mental and emotional issues which could lead to suicide for some people and I am sure that wasn’t and isn’t not only me. I felt depressed and I couldn’t stop thinking about negative things. But now I know that it is important to talk to people about it like you said. I also found out that we can feel better when you rest and I also think it is critical to know that you are not alone.

NO MORE SUICIDE.

-Robert Cho-

Dear Leslie,

Your post “No More Suicides!” was very meaningful and relatable. In many countries, suicide is a major problem, however, it is often hidden by other issues and news. I think suicide is one of the topics that should be noticed in the world more frequently. This would help students and adults in depression get support from friends, a therapist, etc.

This was a very relatable post for me because where I am living right now (South Korea), currently is in 10th place of suicidal rates in the world. Suicide happens so frequently here, especially among young teenagers. Common students in South Korea often receive a lot of pressure from their parents in studying. Most (but not all) parents want their children to succeed academically, and they think sending them to after school academies will make their child learn ahead of time and improve their grades. A typical high school student in public schools could stay until ten o’clock (at night) in school or academies. When they arrive home, they would have to study for tests and complete work, and consequently puts a lot of stress. This happens not only in South Korea, but also in many other countries. A student could commit suicide due to stress at school, problems in learning a topic, struggling mentally at school, and much more.

I like how you mentioned for students to speak up if they are facing a problem or depression. I agree to this statement because through communicating his/her problems with a close friend, family, or any adults, they could help them overcome the problems. Many people often doubt themselves and hesitate when trying to tell someone their mental difficulties, but at the end, it would benefit them. Therefore, it is very essential for these students or anyone who is suffering mentally or physically to share their feelings.

Just to continue on your idea, I think one of the ways to reduce and end depression (and the feeling of wanting to committing suicide) for students is to do what you enjoy and what interests you instead of things that people force you to. Succeeding in the future is important, however, I think that being happy in life is even more important. You cannot be successful if you do not enjoy your life.

Your article has made me think more deeply about suicide in the world and possible causes and solutions to suicide.
Thank you for your writing! 😀

– Eunice

Hi Leslie, I found your post really compelling. We have an incredibly high teen suicide rates here in Utah, and that’s commonly attributed to the LDS church that’s dominant here. Whether or not that’s the case is irrelevant right now (though it’s an incredibly compelling argument). The article is trying to spread awareness about mental illness to the public, and I found it fitting because it’s currently Invisible Illness week. It’s an incredibly important topic, it’s up to all of us to make sure we’re there for each other.

Hola Yamile, ¿cómo estás? Lamento mucho lo de tu amigo, sé lo que se siente perder a un ser querido por depresión, por eso me inspiré en hacer la publicación para aquellas personas que están pasando por una etapa difícil en su vida, para recordarles que no están solos, tienen amigos, familiares e incluso maestros que aprecian a esas personas.
Me gusta mucho tu comentario, muchas gracias por tener en cuenta mi publicación, y como comenté antes, la depresión es algo que se debe tratar con tiempo, y si, como dijiste, a veces ese tipo de comentarios sobre Cómo estuvo tu día ? Incluso si es la palabra más pequeña, hacen que esa persona se sienta importante y amada. Realmente aprecio tu comentario, me gusta mucho la forma en que te expresas y sobre todo * Si alguna vez estás pensando en suicidarte, LLAME AL 1-800-273-8255 (The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) * Me gusta mucho esa parte.
Me despido con un gran saludo Atentamente: Leslie Ramirez Hernandez

Dear Leslie, I am very thankful that you decided to write a post like this. Suicide is not talked about as much as it should be. I am glad you wrote this post because it gives me comfort that I am not the only one who acknowledges suicides. I love that you informed the reader that they are not alone. With this post alone I am sure you saved plenty of lives. One sentence you wrote that stands out to me is ” Perhaps something to attract attention is what some people think”. This sentence stands out because some people who do not fully understand depression might believe this is true which causes those diagnosed with depression to lack bringing up their emotions. Thank you for your writing I look forward to seeing what you write next.