This morning Preety is still in bed instead of preparing for school as usual. When asked why she is not getting ready, she tells her mother she is feeling a bit tired and does not feel like going to school. Her mother is a bit annoyed but does not have the slightest clue that a major tragedy is simmering in her abode. She prepares breakfast and takes her shower before checking upon her daughter again only to see Preety?s body dangling from the ceiling. She unties the rope from her neck in a flash and calls for help, but it?s too late, her daughter has gone forever.

Preety?s mother is one the growing number of parents whose teenagers have committed suicide. According to the US Focus Adolescent Services website, ?In the past 25 years, while the general incidence of suicide has decreased, the rate for those between 15 and 24 has tripled. It is generally considered to be the second or third most common cause of death among adolescents, even though it is seriously under-reported.?

Even in tiny Mauritius, out of the 88 who intentionally killed themselves in 2003, 14 were aged between 15 and 24 years old! It?s not always easy to understand what motivates people to finish with life but it is agreed that the main risk factors are depression, a family history of suicide, previous attempts, substance abuse and availability of means to kill oneself, e.g presence of offensive weapons in the house. It is true that not everyone exposed to the above risk factors will end up committing suicide but reducing the probability is worthwhile because life is simply too priceless.

Depression is one of those conditions that are not properly understood. It is often wrongly believed that only adults are concerned by depression. Yet it threatens human beings of all ages. So watching out for signs such as "unhappiness, gradual withdrawal into helplessness and apathy, isolated behaviour, drop in school performance, loss of interest in activities that were formerly sources of enjoyment, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and loss of concentration" among others might be a vital preventive measure, if observations are followed by proper counselling.

Moreover talking and sharing are essential elements in healthy relationships and I see no reason why people should keep weapons at home nor do I conceive why children should lock their bedrooms. According to a French Sofres survey, 86% agree that there is a solution to each and every problem other than suicide, yet 54% of people concede that they would not know how to help individuals who are suicidal. This might also be the case in Mauritius. That is why I strongly believe we should be more informed about this issue which is not much talked about but is a really serious problem.

Therefore, would it not be useful if the suicide prevention unit and associations such as Befrienders gave regular talks in schools about suicide and the value of life? Besides, I believe that a reinforcement of education in human values as well as a more positive outlook on life might help to protect sacred and unique lives.