Stupid Fast

Suicide is a charged topic for many people, and it can be difficult to discuss. It can be triggering for those who have experienced past trauma and intellectually discomforting for others. It is widely thought that these challenges in talking about suicide, however, should be braved in the classroom. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Per an article by Sandy Cohen, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 20% of high schoolers have suicidal ideations, and 9% have attempted suicide (Suicide Rate Highest Among Teens and Young Adults). Talking about suicide in a fictional context not only helps dispel negative stigma surrounding suicide, but it can also save lives.

Myths, misconceptions, and ignorance about suicide have a negative impact on both those with suicidal thoughts and on survivors of suicide loss. When Felton Reinstein is five years old, he discovers his father’s body hanging in the garage. Felton frequently refers to this event during his narrative, and though he speaks of it matter-of-factly, often using dark humor, the event has a huge emotional impact on him. Because of stigmatization around suicide, survivors of suicide loss face unique challenges in addition to the already-difficult process of mourning the loss of a loved one, including feelings of anger and guilt.