Maricopa Faces Alarming Surge in Teen Suicides: A Growing Crisis

Tragedy struck a Maricopa family when 19-year-old Zack Born took his own life just days after appearing to be on an upswing in his mental health. His mother, Patty Born, shared that Zack seemed to be thriving after overcoming various personal challenges, leaving her with no concerns.

Despite enduring bullying at his job at Culver’s and grappling with feelings of loneliness in his new town, Zack had recently received his driver’s license and was excelling at college. He had even secured a job interview the day after his death.

“Zack was doing great. I was so proud of him,” Patty recalled, noting that no warning signs had been evident. Unfortunately, on September 5, she discovered Zack heavily intoxicated in the middle of the day, marking the onset of a heartbreaking tragedy.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among youth in the United States, trailing only accidents for ages 10 to 14, according to the CDC. The subject, laden with stigma, often goes undiscussed, leaving families unprepared for the realities surrounding mental health and suicide.

André Davis, operations manager at Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office, emphasized the necessity of broaching uncomfortable subjects such as suicide. “It’s a conversation we need to have. People often don’t realize the impact it can have on their own lives,” he said.

The Born family had moved from Maryland to Maricopa, hoping for a fresh start after facing their own past tragedies, including the suicide of Zack’s father. Despite the family’s determination to heal, Patty never anticipated burying her child.

Clinical professionals highlight a misconception that suicide primarily affects “quiet” individuals. Brianna Reinhold, clinical director at Northern Lights Therapy, stated, “It can happen to anyone, regardless of their background. They could be high achievers or come from challenging environments.”

Zack’s story resonates with other teens in Maricopa. Interviews with students aged 14 to 17 revealed similar feelings of isolation and despair, often stemming from family issues or the loss of friends to suicide. Many youths voiced that they struggled to talk openly with their families about their inner turmoil.

Realizing the significance of open dialogue, professionals like Reinhold argue that keeping conversations about suicide stigmatized reduces one’s likelihood of reaching out for help. “We need to make these discussions comfortable,” she said.

Some youngsters, quiet by nature, may suffer in silence without venturing to speak about their struggles. Cameron Spencer, a former Army Reserve veteran, experienced this firsthand. He described a tumultuous upbringing fraught with abuse, leading him to attempt suicide at age 16. His experience has since paved the way for conversations about mental health among veterans, emphasizing the vital role of open discussions in healing.

Despite efforts to talk about these difficult subjects, many parents still shy away from discussions about suicide, believing it might plant the idea in their child’s mind. Reinhold counters, stating that children are already exposed to this reality through various mediums. Keeping the conversation hidden only exacerbates the stigma.

Data from the CDC paints a disheartening picture. Suicide rates among individuals aged 10 to 24 have surged by 62% from 2007 to 2021. In Arizona, minors accounted for 54 suicides last year, a 16% rise from the previous year.

Pinal County reported troubling trends as well, with an increase in youth suicides, including minors. Local statistics indicate that Maricopa has a disproportionately high number of teen suicides compared to its population size.

In light of these alarming trends, community leaders and health professionals argue for enhanced awareness and proactive engagement to prevent further tragedies. As conversations about mental health become increasingly critical, individuals like Patty Born strive to break the silence around suicide, hoping others can find solace in sharing their stories.