Is it a joke to you?

It’s the first semester of college. I’m sitting by myself  in my abnormal psychology class surrounded by a bunch of upperclassmen whose names I never cared to learn. On this specific day, my professor assigns the large project of the year- a 200 point paper that must be 6-8 pages in length. The boy who sits behind me makes a comment to his friends that still rings in my ears. 

“This paper makes me want to kill myself.” 

Some of his friends responding by laughing. Some respond with phrases of approval and agreeance. No one objects to what he said. In my head, I’m thinking to myself, “When did suicide become such an acceptable joke?” 

Suicide is not a joke. It’s a real epidemic that takes nearly 45,000 lives per year. And that is just in the United States. 

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US and the second leading cause of death in people aged 15-25 years worldwide. The cause of suicide is different for every person and may be the result of many different biopsychosocial factors. However, many suicides are the result of untreated or undiagnosed mental health disorders, especially depression. 

While jokes about depression and sucide are becoming more common, so is the amount of teens suffering from these disorders. In a study published by the American Psychological Association, scientists found that mental health disorders in young adults have doubled in the past decade. 

What exactly is causing this rise in teen depression and suicide? 

Scientists have not been able to determine the exact cause, but there are multiple hypotheses around the epidemic. Some researchers believe that increased screen time and social media use is contributing to the rise of depression in teens. Others point to the increased use of drugs and alcohol promoting the influx of mental health disorders. 

While I recognize that social media and substances are major contributors, I strongly believe that the negative stigma around mental health is reason for the rise in depression and suicide. It’s obvious that depression has become a running joke in youth and teens, so those actually suffering from the disorder are not being taken seriously. 

Those who are diagnosed with depression may not feel that their feelings will be validated. When trying to talk to a close friend about their mental health, they may not be taken seriously, resulting in learned helplessness towards the situation. For those making jokes about depression, this could be a serious trigger for someone who is actually suffering. So many kids nowadays joke about being depressed and wanting to kill themselves that depression has gone from being a mental health disorder to a personality trait. 

So what can we do about it? 

Whenever you hear someone joking about depression or suicide, don’t just sit in silence. Stand up for yourself and anyone around you who may be silently suffering. Remind that person that mental illness is not a joke, but a serious topic that should not be taken lightly. If you are comfortable enough, possibly share a personal story connected to depression or suicide, and this person is likely to realize that they need to sympathize instead of ostracize. Don’t be afraid to start a healthy conversation with someone. Simply ask them: 

Is it a joke to you?