I think this issue is extremely complex and not something we can just address by saying, "You make more money. You're better off." It's factually correct to say we live in much more materially-abundant times today. In that respect, I think that the easiness of life has caused many to become more mentally weak. I don't think the solution is to go back to scarcer times. I think we need to recognize this and voluntarily introduce challenges into our lives; dare say I, a little bit of adversity.

My second thought is that we have weaker homes today than we did in times past. No, I don't think our ancestors were perfect. I could go on and on about how we've improved so much on many things. But homes were more stable in the past -- and that too is factually correct. I also think this weakens a teenagers support system and overall sense of love and security.

My third thought is that even if someone comes from a good home, great parents, and well-off, today -- we have social media. Anyone can recognize the mental struggle this has catapulted humanity into. That too is factual. And for teens, they probably have it worse than anyone because the need and desire for acceptance is at the absolute strongest during these years. And being excluded or bullied is a harsh reality for many teens; not to mention being in relationships, introducing social media, and combining that with a lack of real education, experience, and emotional maturity.

I don't have the answer, but if teens are offing themselves, something is wrong. And those of us who have already passed through that age should reach out and help.