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The Centers for Disease Control reports that suicide is responsible for more than 40,000 deaths each year. It is also one of the leading causes of deaths among teens.

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Now, one social media giant is stepping in to help prevent self-inflicted deaths.

Social media is often seen as a culprit in the suicide epidemic among young people.

Sheryl Moore told KCCI her son was tormented online for being gay and bi-racial. In 2013, 16-year-old AJ Betts took his own life.

"Why couldn't the people who picked on AJ see this? That he was a person, that he was my baby. He was my child, Moore said.

Now, the very site AJ faced recurring bullying is launching a number of online options to help prevent suicidal behavior.

Facebook now lets users send messages to a friend who may be showing signs of depression. Users can also connect with a mental health expert for advice.

Facebook staffers will review the reported post and reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

"I appreciate that they're at least putting an effort into trying to do something about this and certainly notifying concerned others when the person is posting things that might be a concern. I don't see that that's likely to be of harm and it's likely to be helpful in some cases, said Jeff Kramer, of Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health.

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Social media giant steps in to help prevent suicides