The Silent Crisis: Protecting the Next Generation in WNC

ASHEVILLE — A local mother’s recent plea to "pay attention" to the reality of teen suicide has resonated across Buncombe County, shining a light on a crisis that is often discussed in whispers. But for Western North Carolina families, the data is loud: Suicide is now a leading cause of death for youth ages 10–18 in our state.While the challenges of social media and modern pressure can feel overwhelming, experts emphasize that suicide is preventable. The key lies in building "internal armor" long