Back-to-School: What You Need to Know
The Terrifying Meaning Behind the Phrase “Back to School Necklace”
As a parent, your main priority is to protect your children from harm, but sometimes, it can be hard to spot the danger signs. For instance, if you overheard your child talking about 'back to school necklaces,' you would probably assume they were discussing some kind of friendship jewelry - however, we've found out the phrase refers to something incredibly dark and worrying.
A quick Google search reveals that the phrase 'back to school necklace' is a euphemism for a noose, and the phrase is used as code for suicide by hanging.
Urban Dictionary - which records the meanings of slang phrases - gives the following definition and sentence example: "A back-to-school necklace is another name for a noose. This is due to the utter despair you feel when school starts back up again." "School started yesterday and I just couldn't take the pain anymore so I bought a back-to-school necklace."
Like many youth trends, the phrase back to school necklaces can be seen on social media in the form of hashtags and memes. The most prevalent back-to-school necklace meme shows the results of a Google image search, where pictures of a noose show up when you search the phrase.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression
Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Teen depression signs and symptoms include a change from the teenager's previous attitude and behavior that can cause significant distress and problems at school or home, in social activities, or in other areas of life.
According to the Mayo Clinic here are specific signs of depression that you can look for in your teen.
Behavioral changes
Watch for changes in behavior, such as:
Tiredness and loss of energy
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite — decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain
Use of alcohol or drugs
Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse
Social isolation
Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors
Self-harm — for example, cutting or burning
Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt
Emotional changes
Be alert for emotional changes, such as:
Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason
Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters
Feeling hopeless or empty
Irritable or annoyed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
Low self-esteem
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak
Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
Youth and Suicide Statistics
The chart above shows the following U.S. statistics: In 2020, the suicide rates were higher among adults ages 25 to 34 years (18.35 per 100,000) and 75 to 84 years (18.43 per 100,000), with the rate highest among adults ages 85 years or older (20.86 per 100,000). Younger groups have had consistently lower suicide rates than middle-aged and older adults. In 2020, adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 14.24. -American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
More specifically, the total suicides in Orange County, CA from January 2019- July 2021 are as follows: suicides in youth ages 10-17 years was 18, ages 18-24 years was 68 and, from ages 25-34 are 125.- OChealth.org