By Sabrina Ragan
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November 20, 2018
Suicide is a traumatic reality that has touched many of us in the past year in Grande Prairie. It seems to be an epidemic that is rippling through our adolescent population causing heartache to many families, friends, and peers. Many questions are asked about what could have been done: “Why my family?” “Could I have done something different?” or “Why didn’t I notice any signs?” Many emotions can be triggered from loss such as anger, fear, guilt, and sadness. Nothing can prepare us for the devastating impact when a loved one chooses to take his or her life. Because it seems to be an ongoing community epidemic, we are left searching for answers to stop the devastation, while living in ongoing fear of who will be next. The following article will hopefully provide some information to help family and friends understand adolescent suicide, provide strategies to shield adolescents from using suicide as an option to escape their struggles, and provide strategies to strengthen family relationships.