Suicide

“I wish you would step back from
that ledge my friend…”
Lyrics from the song “Jumper”
by Third Eye Blind

No matter how dark, scary, sad life is, it can get better. Suicide is forever, but depression doesn’t have to be.

Suicide is usually viewed as a taboo subject. However if you or a friend is thinking about killing themselves, do not be afraid to talk about it with them or someone else. Reaching out may be hard, but it will be the best and bravest decision you ever make. Your life matters. There are people in this world that genuinely care about you. Don’t let these difficult times defeat you. There is no undo to suicide…

Here are some good resources about teen suicide:

http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/ You should read this if you are considering suicide, or know people that are. It is a great website that is full of informative, straight forward articles discussing social stigma against suicide, coping with depression and traumatic situations that maybe difficult to recover from. It also includes A 4 minute depression quiz and a mountain of resources and links for people that are trying to save someone from suicide, like What can I do to help someone who may be suicidal?

http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=EBC94492-7E90-9BD4-CFD0E103C4B5067B This link contains all sorts of moving stories about suicide survivors or loved ones that were left behind. Think about the impact you are having on yourself and others around you before you decide that this life is too hard.

http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm A guide for teenagers that may be considering suicide or have suicidal friends. A great resource that explains symptoms and gives coping methods.

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=F2F25092-7E90-9BD4-C4658F1D2B5D19A0 The basic facts about suicide, and how to identify and prevent someone who is in danger of harming themselves. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is also a sponsor of outreach programs and the Out of the Darkness walks.

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/teenagers-and-suicide/ A brief list of all the causes for suicide and how to deal with someone considering it.

Depression is more than feeling sad or blue every once in awhile. When someone is depressed, it can mean they feel sad, lonely or hopeless for long periods of time. Depression can cloud everything a person does and change how they interact with friends and family.

Depression is caused by a lot of things—from genetics (it can run in families), to life events (a recent death, divorce of parents, pressure at school or home), to what feels like no reason at all. But no matter what is making someone feel sad or depressed, it is never their fault. Treatment for depression can be hard and takes time, but almost everyone who chooses to get help feels better. Depression isn’t forever. You can reach out for support.

If you are feeling depressed and need to talk to someone, call the YouthLine now at 1-877-YOUTH-911 (1-877-968-8491)

http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/depression.aspx# Above the influence has a section of their website dedicated to depression with a good approach for teens

http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm Helpguide is a non-profit website with at section on depression. It has tons of information, and it is very easy to find whatever you’re looking for. There are different approaches to “helping yourself or a friend”

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm mHelpguide is a non-profit website with another section on depression, similar to the one above, but with a “guide for parents and teachers”

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/worst-things-to-say-to-someone-whos-depressed/ A list of the worst things to say to someone who is depressed. Friends and family, don’t say these things!

Instead, say these things sincerely http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/best-things-to-say-to-someone-whos-depressed/

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2009/living-with-depression-2/ A guide for people suffering from depression that face social stigma, and how they should explain their problem to their friends and family.

Want to hear more from other youth who know what you’re going through? Check out our blog posts on Suicide.