Teen Suicide: Diana Kapp on her story ”Why Are Palo Alto’s Kids Killing Themselves?”

Diana Kapp's story from the June issue of San Francisco Magazine focuses on two recent clusters of suicides among high school kids in Palo Alto, a largely affluent city that many believe encourages a culture of fierce competition and stifling academic pressure. Diana investigates why eight teenagers over the past 5 years have killed themselves and tries to pin down the various theories as to why. Some people believe suicide can become a trend, and a way to gain distinction in a cut throat environment, while others believe widespread depression and the drive for personal excellence over self care and awareness may be the cause.