Sta.sh
This is kinda long but I hope my insights may help some people out there. Skim/read if you have the time, it's not a shot at anyone it was written to support x)
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I'm sure everyone in the past few years has noticed the upswing in teen suicides; whether from mounting school pressure, peer pressure, bullying, and so on. WE all know this has been happening. But never before has it hit me so close to home. My little sister, who is 16 years old, is in tears, having just found out that one of her friends has committed suicide. He was a senior in high school... Young... Prom king, 4.0, on the soccer team. But for whatever reason this young boy chose to take his life. My heart aches for my sister, and the family of the boy, who we know.
As adults, we have to be more aware of the plight of the youth. Their emotional problems are real to them, not just the silly dramatic moans of a teenager. Whether or not we understand why the youth can be so down-trodden, they feel the way they feel for a reason. If you notice a young person in your community is down, try to help. Let someone know. If you see the warning signs, as suicidal persons tend to show signs before the act, alert someone. Alert a parent or teacher. And if you are a parent, make sure your children are never ashamed or scared to talk to you about anything! Whether it be sex, drugs, bullying, school; anything! Make sure your children know they can talk to you, and seek comfort from you. Because many suicidal kids are desperate and scared, and think they have no one to turn to.
As for my young viewers in high school or below... Make sure you treat everyone with the same amount of care and respect you might treat your mother, or best friend. You never know what affects your words have on people. And you may never be able to correct yourself before it's too late. Be kind, even if others are not kind to you. And look out for your friends. No one saw the warning signs in this kid... He could have lived, maybe, if someone had told his mother or a teacher. If a kid is showing signs of self harm, tell someone! Don't be afraid of being called a "snitch" or a "rat." That person whose parents/teachers you told may hate you for a while after, but it could be the difference between life and death.
And if you are suicidal, depressed, or have even just thought about suicide... Sit down, take some deep breaths, and think. Is this what you want? Death is permanent. You can't just come back when you feel like it and hope that everything is better. You die... And you leave your friends and family behind to grieve over your loss. There are always ways to get help... Therapists, your family, your teachers, even your counselors. If you can't afford a therapist, there are call stations you can call for free help. If you need help, seek out help. Nothing is ever worth taking your life...
So everyone, please...In the wake of this tragedy in my families world, keep things in mind. Learn to recognize the signs of suicidal tendencies... Treat people well... And if you are suicidal you need to get help... Because no one wants to go through this type of sadness.
RIP Michael
May your life in the afterlife be happier for you than your life was in the mortal realm
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Sorry for the loss
PS: This may sound odd, but I think the last sentence in this journal is full of win, miss.
Years ago, when I was a teen, a friend of mine was quite self-destructive, and I was very afraid that she would commit suicide. I'm glad she didn't do it.
and i'll be looking out for my little brother and his friends more now, they're only 10-11 now but i'd like to let them know that they can come and talk to me if they need too at any age if they need it
So to stop myself thinking of it, I think of all my friends. And my favourite band, Simple Plan. Each of their songs describe one of my problems, and it helps me. I've not told any adults about how I feel, but I always find them moaning about kids being over dramatic. I was only 14 two weeks ago, and I always hear people saying "kids are so ungrateful for life. How can they know how bad it is when they've hardly lived it?"
Tell you what, just because we're still learning and we're young doesen't mean we don't have feelings. Like you said, we think these things for a reason, and sometimes it can simply be because noone will listen, because we're young and noone gives us any respect. It's not fair. Adults always say treat others how you would want to be treated. Why dont they live my that rule too?
R.I.P Michael. I hope wherever you are now, you're not suffering anymore.
And of course, no one knows. But I believe in an afterlife where you feel no pain. You can't thwart me on that.