Exerpt
from the introduction article:
....Jon worries triple when he
gets letters from people dealing with dire circumstances --
rape, homelessness, child abuse, the loss of a loved one, or,
most upsetting to Jon, thoughts of suicide.
"I have to take longer amounts
of time with those because it may be a matter of life and death,"
says Jon, who will ordinarily spend about an hour each month
answering letters from his home. "I feel that every word
I write is going to be very pivotal in their choices for what
they're going to do about their problem."
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My
best friend and I are 15. She has had a rough life -- her parents
are divorced and her mom's boyfriend abuses her mentally and physically.
Now, she has started taking drugs and is threatening to commit suicide.
I didn't think she was serious about it at first, but now I know
she is because she keeps her boyfriend's gun in her room. I don't
have the strength to deal with this on my own!
Amy A.
Quebec, Canada
I'm so glad you wrote, because it shows how much you care about
your friend. I don't want you to think I'm copping out, but this
is so serious, you need to talk about it with someone besides me
-- your parents or a trusted adult (teacher, minister, principal,
councilor) RIGHT THIS SECOND. If there's absolutely nobody you can
confide in, try finding a suicide hotline number she can call. Look
in the yellow pages under "Suicide" or "Hotlines"
or call one of the 800 numbers listed below. Keep telling her how
special she is and how much you care about her. And encourage her
to get help, fast!
National Runaway Switchboard :
1-800-621-4000
Childhelp : 1-800-422-4453 |
I
have serious thoughts about suicide. Last week I saw some broken
glass in a parking lot and thought about how easy it would be to
slit my wrists. All my problems would be over. I knew I wouldn't
do it right then, but what if I have the opportunity again and my
heart doesn't remind me of what is right?
Anonymous
Witchita, KS
There is still a big part of you that doesn't want to commit suicide.
Have that side of yourself come forward to talk with someone --
anyone -- quick. There are many hotlines with people who care in
your phone book. Look under "Suicide Prevention" or call
one of the numbers on this page. You should also know that your
thoughts are very common. I don't know too many people who haven't
contemplated the same thing. Sometimes suicide seems easier than
facing reality, but that doesn't mean reality won't change or get
better for you. Life is often a serious pain in the butt, but it's
definitely better than the alternative. Whatever you do, please
get help before doing anything drastic. Good luck in working things
out. And cut this out and put it in your wallet in case you feel
bad again.
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