KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Suicide prevention week is from Sept. 10-16.
Studies say suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds.
Experts recommend that parents seek help if their child is talking about wanting to die or looking for ways to kill themselves.
Joe Karlin's son, Tom Karlin, took his own life in November of 2011. Tom was a high school senior.
"He was well liked, well respected, just the kid next door," said Joe Karlin.
Karlin founded the Tom Karlin Foundation in memory of his son. The foundation seeks to partner with schools and other community organizations to support suicide prevention.
"It was truly hell on earth. I just can't put into words how hurtful and troubling it was trying to get through the pain of burying a child," said Karlin.
Dr. Mitchell Douglass with the University of Kansas Health Systems says the number of students trying to hurt themselves is going up while their ages are going down.
"You'd be surprised to know how much pain these kids are really in." said Douglass. "Psychiatric illness is not a socioeconomic disease. Rich people get depressed, poor people get depressed."
Douglass says parents needing help can use hospital emergency services and the specialized behavioral healthcare services for children and adolescents at The University of Kansas Health System's Marillac Campus, which is available 24/7.
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours every day at 1-800-273-8255.
