Suicide / Question
Published: April 13, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I think I'm very suicidal, we often have fights in my house and afterwards I always feel crap and like I want to kill myself, I even think about how I'd do it and what people's reactions would be and I imagine the funeral in my mind! I want to tell my parents and have tried to before but they never understand and they just think I'm a "typical teenager" saying that I'm just being over dramatic and my worries are nothing compared to theirs! I want to prove to them that I'm not going through a phase. Do I need professional help?
Signed: After Family Fights Feels Suicidal
Dear After Family Fights Feels Suicidal,
TeenHealthFX is sorry to hear that you are getting so upset that you want to kill yourself. We are glad that you wrote for help because although things may seem bad right now, they can get better! Suicide is not the way to solve your problems. We do think that you need professional help to deal with whatever is going on in your life.
You might want to show your parents what you sent to us and ask them to understand that your feelings are real and that you would like to talk to someone (like a therapist) to help you (alone and as a family). If your parents cannot/will not help, then talk to an adult that you trust, like your school nurse or counselor, your doctor or a relative. The pain you are feeling is real but it does not have to be forever. With the right treatment (therapy and maybe medication) you can and will feel better.
If you are at the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. If you live in northern New Jersey you can call the crisis hotline at Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Or, you can call the National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).
If you would like assistance in finding a therapist and live in northern New Jersey, call Atlantic Behavioral Health's ACCESS line at 888.247.1400. If you live outside of this area, you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's website for referrals to professionals in your area.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens often abuse prescription drugs because of the myth that these drugs provide a medically safe high.
