* Breakup of a romance, or of a friendship.
* Unexpected pregnancy
* A stressful family life-having parents who are depressed or drug users, family history of suicide
* Loss of security-fear of authority, peers, groups, gang members
* Stress due to new situations-moving, college etc.
* Failing in school or failing an important test
* A serious illness or injury to oneself
* Seriously injuring another person, or causing anothers death
* A major loss-a home, a loved one, divorce
There are more I am sure, anything that is traumatic to the person is a risk factor. Many people handle these with no problem, others do not.
* Giving away possessions
* Previous suicide attempts
* Use of alcohol or drugs
* Change in eating pattern
* Change in sleeping pattern
* Unwilling or inability to communicate
* Depression
* Extreme or extended boredom
* Accident prone
* Unusual sadness, discouragement, or lonliness
* Talk of wanting to die
* Neglect of work or appearance
* Family disruptions-divorce, trauma, death
* Running away or being truant
* Rebelliousness
* Confusion
* Chronic pain, panic or anxiety
* Perfectionism
* Restlessness
LISTEN - What may seem trivial too you can be overwhelming and consuming to the person in pain.
HELP - The 'first contact', the person receiving the cry for help, does not have to be a counselor. Be a link, be a lifeline....call for help. Youth call your parents, their parents, another trusted adult---911. Adults call their parents or other help--911.
No one could have changed my mind! It was no one's fault but my own for my pain. I hurt myself! I love you mom and (brother's name), please forgive me. I just couldn't hold on anymore, my body was already dead to me. My heart so empty, my thoughts to painful, I just didn't want to hurt any more. Please make sure (boyfriend's name) knows I did this to be happy! Tell him I tried to be strong, but it was too late for me. I love him and I didn't mean to hurt him. This is no one's fault at all, I know it's not fair either. But, is it fair for me to keep living for everyone else, while my insides are numb and empty. I've never been in so much pain, I just want to not hurt anymore. I'm sorry, I love you, find it in your heart's to forgive me. Always remember me for the good. P.S. At least I won't be alone! Grandpa (last name) will be with me!
Love Always
(girl's name)
I'm Sorry!
This letter was written by a friend of my daughter's. She did not succeed in suicide, I don't even know if she attempted. But this letter is so sad to me. So many teens and others are hurting inside, and they don't know what to do about it. I just want to hug her and tell her it will all be better. How do we help these people to know that life can and will get better. That it isn't always going to be so painful. I don't know how this girl is doing, but I pray that she has found something in life worth living for. I hope that she loves herself and is happy.
Teen Advice Page
SAVE
SPAN
AFSP
Information for Gays and Lesbians
Teen Suicide isn't Romantic
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