to teens in America today the significance of understanding this issue (Opalewski 1).
             There are several factors that have influenced teens to commit suicide and these instances have contributed greatly to the rise in adolescent suicide. Childhood depression, decreased family stability and increased access to firearms are just some of the social changes that have contributed to suicide (Watkins 1). Dr. Carol Watkins describes some of the risk factors for suicide as being; previous suicide attempts, a close family member who has committed suicide, recent losses: death of a relative, family divorce, or a breakup with a girlfriend. The teen may also have a problem with socializing with other kids his or her age, or also may have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Violence at home is also another risk factor as well as having handguns in the home (Watkins 1-2).
             As stated earlier, depression is the number one cause of suicide in teens today. Substance abuse is one of the most popular actions kids take in relieving some of their pain. However, teens do not understand that most of the drugs alone have a depressant effect and lower self-consciousness against self-injurious behavior. A doctor, Richard O'Connor, who specializes in teen suicide proves that some young people who have never had a suicid
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