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TEEN VIEW: The life you save might be your own — or your best friend's

Editors' note: Some names have been changed.

  Mary, a senior at Lockport High School, has never known anyone to die by suicide, but has thought about it herself.

  "I've never seriously considered it though. It's just not worth it," Mary said.

  But Mary doesn't think she is alone.

  "I think that most people consider it at least once. Teen-agers have a lot of stress from parents, school, and friends, and sometimes it's just too much," she said.

  If one of Mary's friends ever talked about suicide, she said she would take it seriously.

  "I would talk to a counselor or another adult to try to get them help," she said.

  Everybody experiences stress, some more than others, but the best way to relieve stress is to talk to people about your problems.

  "I think that talking is definitely a good way to relieve yourself. I have actually talked people down from suicide, and they appear to be doing well now, said Ashley Middleton, a senior at Lincoln-Way Central High School.

  If you do not have any family members or friends to talk to, there are many people who are more than happy to talk to you about your problems. Many high schools have highly qualified guidance counselors who will talk to students and even hold support groups about the issue bothering you from grief, divorce to peer pressure.

  If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, you can reach the Suicide Hotline toll free at (888) 784-2433 or (800) SUICIDE, 24 hours a day.

  "I have never thought about suicide because nothing is that bad to take away your life," said Ashley Wood, 18, senior at Plainfield High School. "I have known a few people who have thought about suicide, but they were helped by their friends, I think that obviously had an effect because they are still here."

  However, Jim, 18, a senior at Plainfield High School, has seriously considered taking his life.

  "I have thought about suicide because I didn't think I had anyone by my side. At first my brother helped me through it because I didn't want him to see me shot in the head," Jim said.

  "Then what helped me a lot now is my new relationship with God. I want to tell others how important their lives are because God has a plan for them," Jim said.

  Jane, a sophomore at Minooka High School, was surprised when one of her friends tried to kill herself.

  "One of my friends tried to commit suicide not too long ago. I knew that she was depressed, but I didn't know that she would go that far. I try to just give her as much support as I can, and be there whenever she needs me," Jane said.

  Sam, a senior at Minooka High School, agrees suicide is scary.

  "I knew a guy who tried to commit suicide a few years ago. There was not really much I could do because I had no idea that he would try that," he said. "I guess it was just a cry for help or something. It really came as a shock when I first found out about it. I think because of that I pay closer attention to what my friends are going through."

  Carmen Arrigo, 17, a senior at Plainfield High School, says not to give up on your friends.

  "I knew a person who came to me and told me about his problem with suicide. I told him to go to a counselor and tell them about it. It took a little convincing, but finally he agreed and went to see a counselor," Carmen said.

  "He is still not completely confident about himself, but is improving each day and he continues to thank me every now and then for saving his life," she said.

Dan McDonald, of Lincoln-Way Central High School, Jamie Rutter of Lockport Township High School, Hayley Graham, of Minooka High School and Kiersten Sadzewicz, Plainfield High School, wrote this story.