Suicide / Question
Published: December 4, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am suicidal. It’s because of a celebrity love, not that you people will understand. All you'll say is that I am obsessed but you do not know what it's like to love & cry for a guy for over 2 years. I was 11 when I fell for him & I’m 14 now. Right now, I am trying to reach my dreams. He’s that important, but doctors won't understand. They forget they are people like everyone else. I’ve been to a psych ward. I’ve been on Prozac. I’m going to therapy. So tell me, is there any good reason I shouldn't kill myself because I see none besides for selfish people who want to keep me alive for their own conscience.
Signed: Selfish People Who Want to Keep Me Alive
Dear Selfish People Who Want to Keep Me Alive,
If TeenHealthFX is hearing you correctly, you are saying that your death would be difficult for those who love you because it would bother their conscience. You are absolutely correct that it would do this but the fall out is much more devastating then you can imagine. The people in your life want you around because they love you probably more then you realize. Losing a loved one through suicide creates many additional levels of complications to the already distressing emotion of grief. Suicide effects are not limited to the person who takes their life but in a greater extent to those loved ones left behind. Very often they are haunted by the thoughts of “Why didn’t I see it?”, “I let my child down,” If only I had…….” If you think TeenHealthFX is being a bit melodramatic then look online or through blogs of people who have lost a child or someone they love to suicide. You will find many different accounts many of them bound by one common thread, the anguish that they feel.
You asked for one reason why you shouldn’t kill yourself. TeenHealthFX could give countless reasons but there is something striking you said in your letter, “Right now I am trying to reach my dreams.” Never stop dreaming.
It’s regrettable that you do not feel that others would understand your feelings. Have you ever talked about this with your therapist? Perhaps he/she is more understanding then you give them credit. It is at least worth giving them a chance to get to know you. If you don’t think this is possible with the person you are seeing now try looking for another treatment provider who you can make a connection with.
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 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
At all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the risk of involvement in a motor vehicle crash is greater for teens than for older drivers.
