Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 4/12/2010

Question
Hi..
For about four months now, I've been feeling really depressed, and I constantly think about suicide. Constantly, it's as if its the only thing on my mind anymore. I used to keep my feelings to myself, until they got so bad that I needed to talk to someone about it, so I talked to a friend who is now so fed up with it that she won't talk to me at all and I think she told everyone else to ignore me too, because no one else will speak to me either. Then, recently, maybe starting about two weeks ago, I've been sort of happy and hyper, but still depressed on the inside. I feel sick, and I feel horrible, and I feel as if no one will take me seriously. I'm too afraid to go to a guidance counselor, and too afraid to talk to my parents about it because they're ultra-conservative and they've raised me in a sort of way that makes me uncomfortable speaking with them about anything. I've sort of, semi-regularly been writing my thoughts down, but when I read it over later, they really frighten me. I don't know what to do, could you please just tell me what you think and what I should do next?

Thanks.

Answer
Sam:

ANY time thoughts of suicide enter a person's mind, help is necessary.  There is an end to depression with the correct help--but you have to fight the fear and ask for it.  Sometimes friends, especially when you are young get scared when they don't know what to do to help.  There are several places you can go for help even if you do not want to talk with your parents (although you may be surprised at how much they do care).  The guidance counselor at your school is there for exactly these kinds of issues.  You will not be judged.  You can go to an adult relative--grandparent, aunt, uncle--or a teacher you feel will listen.  You can also go to the nearest hospital and tell someone what you are thinking, and they will help you get help and get you through this.

There is nothing wrong with asking for help.  Nobody can go through their entire life and not get help from someone along the way.  Please talk to an adult as soon as possible.

                   Joyce A. Anthony