TeenHealthFX - Answers - I Was Doing A Lot Better

Depression / Question
Published: July 9, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am 14 years old and have attempted to kill my self. I was doing a lot better until lately. Everything seems to be going downhill. What ever I do my dad yells at me. Sometimes I think he doesn't even love. I share almost everything with him and I've been finding out these lies he had been keeping from me. And to top it off my friends seem to be acting really different around me. I think they even talk about me behind my back. It hurts so bad-I don't want to go down the suicidal road again but I don't know. I just feel so distant from everyone and everything. Please Help.

Signed: I Was Doing A Lot Better

Dear I Was Doing A Lot Better,

Recovering from suicide is a difficult process - ongoing support from family and friends and professional help are needed. This process can also be difficult for your friends and family, especially if they have never had to deal with this before.

TeenHealthFX hopes that you have a therapist that you are working with. If not, it is important that you find one who can help you deal with the emotions that you are experiencing. A therapist will also be able to help you and your family. If you have not done so already, it is important that you talk to your parents about how you are feeling. If you do not have a therapist, your parents can help you find one. You know the signs and feelings that lead you on a suicidal path before - you can now use this information to allow your therapist and family help you through them.

If you live in northern New Jersey, you can call the ACCESS Center at Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400. Outside of this area, you can log onto US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.

You may feel that your friends and family are changing on you, but remember that you too are changing. The best solution is to confront these feelings that you are having and talk about them. Give your friends a chance to voice their perspective and remember that friendships grow and change all the time. You deserve to have people who are supportive and caring around you.

If your thoughts of suicide return and you feel that you may hurt yourself, you can call 9-1-1. You can also contact 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week. In northern New Jersey, you can call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100.

Signed: TeenHealthFX