Mom Talks About the Possible Role Social Media Played in Her Teenage Daughter’s Death

It is disturbing to learn that the number of young people taking their own lives is on the rise. Deaths by suicide among those aged 15 to 24 are the second most common in the world. Mental health is a major factor in the majority of these suicide attempts by children and adolescents.

Suicide attempts are frequently impulsive among these youngsters. They may be linked to depression, anxiety, agitation, stress, self-doubt, peer pressure, and even financial insecurity. All play a role in a teen’s suicide attempts. In fact, some teenagers may see suicide as a way out of their struggles.

These days, one of the common causes of suicide is mental health issues. Benjamin Keough, who was Elvis Presley’s grandson, also took his life just like country singer Namoi Judd who killed herself due to her mental health problems.

Olivia Ann Kunik was another victim of suicide caused by mental health issues.

Not many people knew that “Liv” was having mental health issues. That is why when she passed away, even those who were close to her were surprised to learn that she suffered from anxiety and depression. She was a happy person and exudes positivity anywhere she went. Her loved ones know her as a cheerful and generous person.

However, according to her family, she was unkind to herself…

On January 8, 2019, Liv committed suicide. She was only 19 years old. Her mother, Honey Beuf, still finds it hard to live with the loss of her daughter. In the wake of Liv’s death, Honey Beuf and her other daughter, Liv’s sister Tess Kunik, have decided to tell Liv’s story in the hopes of preventing other teens from taking their own lives.

They believe social media played a huge role in Liv’s death…

They claim that Liv was constantly assessing her own looks and comparing herself with what she saw on social media platforms like Instagram. They believe that Liv was not able to cope with the negative effects of social media. This took a toll on her own mental health.

Following Liv’s death, Honey and Tess started “The Liv Project. This is a way of trying to help others struggling with their mental health and lessen the number of teens who are committing suicide.

On The Liv Project‘s website, they describe Liv as “spirited, stubborn, uproarious, and bursting at the seams with love.” The site added that “Liv’s compassion and kindness for others were two of her finest characteristics, but she found it hard to show that same compassion and kindness to herself.”

Depression and suicidal thoughts can be addressed medically. Children and adolescents with such struggles who have been detected and diagnosed need a comprehensive treatment plan. At this time, they need a strong support system.

Teenage suicide and attempted suicidal behavior can have a wide range of causes and sometimes, they are difficult to comprehend. Suicide is uncommon in young children but are becoming more of an occurrence in teens. The number of suicides and attempted suicides skyrockets throughout puberty.

Parents must be observant of their childrens’ behavior. Although teens become more and more secretive, parents must still encourage their kids to open up, not only about what’s happening in their lives – in school and even their personal issues, but basically anything that can help.