LIFE

I think I might be depressed but I don't know what to do.  I feel like no one is really my friend and the world is filled with a bunch of fakes.  I feel like there is no point of going on with life, because I know it will only get harder.  Lately I have been crying a lot when I think about everything at school and life in general. I have had several thoughts of suicide, and have almost committed it twice. I haven't told my parents, but I have told my best friend and we cried about it together for a little while.  She told me that I needed to get help, and that I was scaring her. So, I've been hiding it and pretending things are back to normal.  I'm not sure how to handle anything at the moment. What should I do?

-Anonymous

Hey Girl,
Everyone has moments where they feel like NOTHING is going right for them. Why don’t you take a second to reflect on everything that is bothering you. If you make a list and then read it over, I am positive that MOST of the issues can be easily dealt with. You may feel better once the smaller things are fixed. If you don’t begin to feel more like your usual self or you are still thinking that you really just aren’t going to make it, then its time to seek help. You cant handle problems this big on your own, nobody can. So don’t feel embarrassed.
 
You were right in reaching out to your friend; don’t worry about stressing her out. Friends are friends because they will go to the end of the world for you. Lying to her to protect her is only causing you more emotional stress, even if you don’t realize it now. You need to talk about what’s going on in your head. Come clean with her and see what advice she has to give.
 
Ultimately, you need to be in an environment that is conducive to healthy behavior. Thinking about killing yourself is a clear sign that you are in over your head. After you come clean to your friend, see if she will go to the guidance counselor with you. Having that support will make it easier to get the help you need. Hang in there, things ALWAYS get better.
 
XOXO,
JANA

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6/10/2008 11:21:00 AM