For more information on suicide check out SAVE

For more in depth information and statistical data concerning suicide go to AFSP

Remember that HELP is available.

The thought of having a loaded nine-caliber to my head is horrifying and I’m sure that anyone who valued their life would feel the same way. The fact that people can muster the ability to take out their own lives is disturbing. That is not necessarily because they don’t think it’s a horrifying experience, but it is because they can’t quite find solutions to their problems and feel as though killing themselves is the only way to end their misery.

Most people who commit suicide don’t particularly want to die, yet they see suicide as the gateway through which they can escape their harsh realities. As we venture through this journey called life, we are presented with situations that that test our physical, mental and emotional strength. We live each day faced with ups and downs, and sometimes we have more downs than ups. At times when our trials and tribulations seem overwhelming, it helps when we have someone we can talk to who will stand by us. When we are not as fortunate to have someone by our side, the task of bearing a heavy burden may seem insurmountable. This perhaps is the major reason why teens commit suicide.

People who commit suicide are looking for a way to escape problems that appear too big or too painful for them to overcome. Their circumstances lead them to have serious emotional and physical pain. They don’t necessarily want to die, but they know that death would be a definite solution.

Human beings generally need to feel loved and have a sense of belonging in order to feel good about themselves. When we are without these essentials it can be difficult for us to enjoy life and live it the way we feel it ought to be lived. Some teens may feel like outsiders in school or at home, they may have experienced a broken romance, have lost a close relative or may not have made the cut for the varsity basketball team. These experiences can lead people to have feelings of worthlessness, self-hatred, loneliness, failure, and depression. They may not feel loved nor that their existence is worthwhile.

People who are contemplating suicide usually give hints about what they are thinking. When they talk about killing themselves, it may be more than simply to get someone’s attention. If someone says things like “I wish I were dead”, “I’ve lived long enough” or “You won’t be seeing me around” with no particular plans for a long vacation, they are probably giving a cry for help.
If you are contemplating suicide or suspect someone you know is, don't be afraid to talk to someone. The first step is to admit to yourself that you are having difficulty dealing with your problems. Once you've realized this, try to talk to someone. It makes a big difference.

For information on the author of this article go to Jenelle.