TeenHealthFX - Answers - Feeling That Life Is Hopeless

Suicide / Question
Published: June 14, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am constantly thinking about suicide. I am nearly 18 and since I was 11 I have had this feeling that my life is pointless. I have even tried overdosing when I was 14; lets just say allergy tablets didn't work. My mom and me are always fighting, she says I don't help around the house enough, and I'm faking being ill when I'm in constant agony and waiting to see doctors. She says I'm upsetting her when I shout back but she doesn't honestly know how it's making me feel. I have walked over to my drawer where there is a full prescription of painkillers on many occasions with the idea of killing myself. I can't talk to my parents, especially my parents (tried that before believe me it doesn't work) adults don't seem to listen to me. I JUST WANT TO DIE. Please help me, the only thing that is stopping me is what my mates might feel and I'm always picturing my funeral, happy faces all round. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Signed: Feeling That Life Is Hopeless - Thinking About Suicide

Dear Feeling That Life Is Hopeless - Thinking About Suicide,

If you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline at Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call or log onto the National Hopeline Network at 1.800.SUICIDE (800.784.2433), 24 hours, 7 days a week.

TeenHealthFX is sorry that you have been feeling so bad for so long. We hope that you will take our advice and find the help that you need. It sounds like you are dealing with depression, which is a treatable illness. Since you cannot talk to your parents, we suggest you talk with an adult that you trust at your school or your doctor. Let them know how you have been feeling (and that you have pills available to you to use to kill yourself) and that you want to get help. After making sure that you are safe, they will probably refer you to a therapist who can help you sort through what you have been experiencing. The therapist will probably want you to be evaluated by your doctor or a psychiatrist to see if medication could also be helpful to you.

So get help - you can and will feel better.

Signed: TeenHealthFX