In 2015 statistics have shown that 9.8 million adults aged 18 and up have had serious thoughts of committing suicide. Suicide is shown to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. Depression is a huge problem many people face. It is said that “Suicide rates among youth (ages 15-24) have increased more than 200% in the last fifty years.” ( American Association of Suicidology). What some people don’t realize is depression is considered a Mental Illness. Depression is not something you can just decide you don’t want and not have it. A study conducted in the U.S. has shown that more than 20 million people have experienced depression recently. People who have depression and are at high risk for self-harm are often very easily manipulated and coerced. Kenneth Law is a former chef out of Mississauga, Ont. Kenneth is a 57-year-old man who is accused of selling lethal substances to those who are at high risk of self-harm.
Kenneth is being charged with 14 counts of counseling or aiding in suicide. Kenneth is accused of selling lethal amounts of Sodium Nitrate. Sodium Nitrate is a form of salt used for preserving food or often found in fertilizers. People can experience labored breathing which can result in death. The Canadian police are currently investigating Kenneth. It has been mentioned that the British police have also opened an investigation against Kenneth. “Meanwhile, British police are investigating the deaths of 88 people in the U.K. allegedly linked to Law.” (Global News). The United States, Italy, and Australia have all opened their investigations.
Suicide and depression is a very serious topic that should not be taken lightly. It is important to be educated on topics such as this. Depression has many symptoms including but not limited to, “Feeling sad or having a depressed mood, Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting, Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, Loss of energy or increased fatigue, Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech, Feeling worthless or guilty, Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions, Thoughts of death or suicide” (Psychriatry.org) It is important to know the symptoms of depression so you can look out for it in yourself and loved ones.
