City, Country – [Date] – In today’s society, the stark reality is that suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among young people. Loneliness and depression often drive adolescents and young adults to the brink of self-harm and despair. The harrowing story of Martin Lhoták, who survived a suicide attempt at the age of seventeen, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by today’s youth and the importance of early intervention and support.

Martin courageously shared his deeply personal journey, revealing the torment he endured during that period. “It was an incredibly challenging time for me. I had a profound dislike for myself, lacked self-love, and felt engulfed by a pervasive sense of isolation. I reached a point where I no longer wanted to live and turned to substance abuse as I grappled with severe depression,” he candidly confessed.

Martin’s descent into excessive marijuana use only exacerbated his anguish. Eventually, he reached a breaking point where he prepared to end his life. It was during this dark chapter that he wrote a farewell letter to his parents before attempting to take his own life. Fortunately, his parents discovered the letter in the nick of time, preventing the tragedy.

Martin’s story underscores the isolation and fear that often accompany mental health struggles. At the moment he contemplated ending his life, he had a fleeting realization that it might be a mistake, but darkness still enveloped him. Recalling his darkest moments, Martin shared, “I remember being in shock. I couldn’t even look at my parents afterward. It pained me that they had to witness me in such a state.”

This traumatic episode led Martin to the psychiatric ward of Motol University Hospital, where he spent two months receiving treatment and medication until the age of nineteen. Throughout his recovery, he encountered remarkable individuals who helped reshape his life. Today, he stands as a testament to transformation, free from the grip of stress and anxiety. To an outsider, it would be inconceivable that he had ever faced such daunting challenges.

Crucial to Martin’s healing process was the unwavering support of his family and friends. “I carried immense guilt for what I had attempted, but thanks to the steadfast presence of my family and friends, for whom I am eternally grateful, I began to feel loved and found meaning in life. I embarked on a journey of self-improvement and have not required psychiatric care since,” Martin shared, having successfully steered clear of substance abuse.

The Alarming Link Between Substance Use and Suicide The latest report from the National Monitoring Center for Drugs and Addictions reveals that 25.3% of individuals between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four used cannabis substances in 2021. While the connection between substance use and suicide among young people is complex, research consistently highlights the vulnerability of adolescents and young adults to suicidal tendencies.

Psychologist Tomáš Holcner elaborates on this vulnerability, stating, “Young people are in the process of shaping their identities while simultaneously grappling with the demands of life. They are more susceptible to intense emotions triggered by frustration or disappointment.”

Holcner underscores the paramount importance of recognizing signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. These signs may include heightened anxiety, depressive states, withdrawal from social activities, or even open discussions about suicidal thoughts. Holcner dispels the myth that individuals who openly discuss suicide are not at risk, emphasizing that such conversations should always be taken seriously.

In the face of these warning signs, Holcner stresses the significance of initiating open and non-judgmental conversations with individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. “Guiding individuals toward professional care, readily available in crisis centers or helplines, is highly recommended,” he adds.

Sonia Petrášková, the director of the Safety Line, reported a concerning nine percent increase in calls regarding suicide last year. Experts at the National Institute of Mental Health have also noted a rise in suicide rates among young people aged fifteen to twenty-four, although precise figures are yet to be released.

In the face of this alarming trend, it is imperative that society at large takes heed of the signs and actively supports and encourages open conversations about mental health. The story of Martin Lhoták serves as both a sobering reminder and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit when met with understanding, empathy, and unwavering support.

Article by Prague Forum