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Suicide
DO you think it is selfish? What if the person is so miserable that no matter what they do they can't feel better (they're even on antidepressants). Wouldn't it be better for someone to kill themself then to be miserable the rest of their lives and to make other people miserable because they are so depressed and complain about their life all the time?
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Suicide is never right. If the person is that depressed they should go to the hospital for some help. I hope this thread isn't about you..
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I think it can be a selfish act done for unselfish reasons. In that depressed state of mind, a person does not feel that they are worth very much and just causing grief to people they love. It's the attitude of "I'll spare them anymore heartache" when their death would be the greatest heartache at all.
The scariest thing I have learned about suicide is that it most often happens when a depressed person starts to feel well again. |
I have tried, but I fail.
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Generally people that fail at suicide are more interested in showing they have a problem than dying.
So it might be better for most people to seek help way before the need to be so dramatic. As far as suicide being selfish or whatever. Well I would just say that its a choice. Pure and simple. I wouldn't bothe to try and place too many value judgements on it. |
Re: Suicide
I'm not an expert, but I have a few thoughts.
I don't think that anybody can make other people miserable. People who care about you probably don't enjoy hearing you complain about your life, but I really doubt that you're making anyone miserable. What are your complaints about your life? If we know what the things are that are bothering you, maybe we can provide some suggestions. You can never know that you would be miserable for the rest of your life. I've had days where I've felt miserable and thought it would last forever. It doesn't. If the antidepressant you are taking isn't helping, maybe you could try a different one. There are many types of medication, and sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find the right one. I hope you are also seeing a therapist -- I don't know that a psychiatrist who prescribes medication is always as good as a therapist who just talks to you. If you haven't tried both, that might be a good idea. No, I don't think it would be better for someone to kill herself. Trust me when I say you won't ALWAYS be miserable. |
AlphaSigLana, I think that this thread may be a cry for help. Unfortunately, most of us are not really qualified or able to help you over the internet. Please go get some help from a qualified physician or licensed therapist. I wish you the best. :)
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I had a very close family member commit suicide 7 and 1/2 years ago and I am still having trouble dealing with it. I don't think suicide is necessarily selfish, because most people who try or succeed in commiting suicide truly believe they are doing it to make their loved ones lives better. Even so, I think that all suicides do is hurt the people that the person is killing themselves for.
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I've always been taught that you are given no more than what you can bear. And of course I think it's a selfish act.
First of all, the only reason people become depressed is because they become self-absorbed in their own problems. They only think about themselves. A form of conceit. If they took the time to look in their neighborhoods at mentally challenged people who can't think for themselves or at people who are on their death beds from cancers eatting away at their flesh until it is rotting and smells and yet, they still manage a weak smile or joke about the pain. . .then, they would see that a problem such as weight, bullies, and a gangly appearance all fades with time and effort. Trust me, I've been in the shoes of both wanting to do it and having a person close to me do it. I can tell you that it's a wake-up call. When I was in high school, I hated myself. I hated the place I lived in. I hated everyone around me. I would fill my journal with pages of rage and hatred of everything around me. I even contemplated ways to off myself. Then, one day, I was re-reading my thoughts and I said, 'Is my life really THAT bad?' So what if I was wearing glasses? So what if I didn't have a country accent? So what if I didn't have the latest clothes? So what if my parents were fussing at me every day about bulls*? Does that really mean that I want to kill myself. How trivial and petty. And then, I realized that if I would have killed myself. . .I wouldn't have met my boyfriend a couple of days later at a Debate Tournament where I kicked the butt of the best Debate Team in my region. I wouldn't have been there when my mom received Mom Of The Year at my church. I wouldn't have been the starring role in our fall musical. I wouldn't have seen my acceptance letter for doing the Jekkyl Island Theatre Production for the summer. I wouldn't have been anything that I am today. My parents would have been miserable and blamed themselves. My sister would have been left alone to grow up. And I wouldn't be a member of an organization that I love. Yes, life sucks. Yes, sometimes I feel like I'm going to go crazy and kill the next person who asks me to order a highlighter for them. Yes, I hate my car. I hate bills. I hate the people who think they are better than me. I hate working at this sh*y 9 to 5 with no perks. But if you hang on, it'll all pass and it'll all get better. It just takes some time. Then, you'll sit back and realize how lucky you are that on that day, you didn't swallow 80 Tylenol pills. If that doesn't work, then maybe you need to believe in a higher being. . .because that's the only other thing that will help. |
I agree with MoxieGrrl that suicide is a selfish act done for unselfish reasons. Most people who consider suicide are so absorbed in their own misery that they don't realize how much their suicide will affect their family. One of my cousins killed herself when she was 14, and her twin sister, her parents, her entire family were dealing with it for years afterwards. I don't think she could have imagined how much pain she brought them. And whenever you put the (usually short-term or medium-term) pain you're feeling before the (always long-term) pain you'll cause the people you love, that's selfish.
I also agree with James that those who attempt suicide but don't succeed are generally looking for help, not death. There are quite a few ways to kill yourself that are almost always successful, but many times people will choose other, less failproof ways (like pills) because they aren't quite ready to die yet. I don't agree that those who are severely depressed are generally so self-absorbed that they blow things out of proportion, though. Most of the time, moderate to severe depression (not just random sadness) is caused by things outside the person's control: brain chemicals, lack of sunlight. So to blame the depression on the person is usually not correct. Hugs for you, Lana, but I hope you know there is ALWAYS a better option than suicide. If you're in therapy, why not tell your therapist that your medication isn't working -- they can up your dosage or put you on something else that hopefully will work. And if you're not in therapy, you really should be -- it will help. |
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AlphaSigLana, If you are having difficulties, please find a QUALIFIED professional to help you. And although we fellow GCers mean well, only you can decide what is right and best for you. Sending you a PM |
Re: Suicide
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My roommate committed suicide a couple of years ago. I found his body, and I can tell you that the image haunts me to this day. I still have nightmares. He was a really, really nice guy, and I know that if he'd thought about what he was doing and how it would impact his family and friends, then he wouldn't have gone through with it. Unfortunately, he got drunk and wasn't thinking clearly when he picked up his gun. His family has never recovered from his death. And I have never recovered fully from the shock of discovering his body. If you're having suicidal thoughts, then you need to get help NOW. Professional help. You think that you're making people miserable now? I think you're wrong, and I can promise you that committing suicide will make your friends and family more miserable than you could ever imagine. |
does your school offer counceling? at mine, they had licenced professionals as well as psych professors come in and help. When battling depression and thoughts of suicide, these people really helped. And if they can't, they can recommend you to people that can. School is a start.
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I'm sorry, but this comment really angered me. Depression IS A MENTAL ILLNESS. It is a disease. Yeah, there are some people who have a bad day, or a bad couple of days. But there is a difference between being upset and suffering from depression. DO NOT call me self absorbed because I suffer from depression. You don't know anything about me. And it has nothing to do with my issues. I suffer from a chemical imbalance. So DO NOT call AlphaSigLana selfish and self absobred when you have no idea what her disease and her problems are. AlphaSigLana, some very good advice has been given to you. Please, please, please see a professional about this. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Things can get better, you just need to find the right kind of help. Please keep searching, it is out there. Take care of yourself. |
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I figured I'd better reply before someone thought I already killed myself.
To answer some questions 1) I have only been on anti-depressants for 5 days so obviously it will take some time before they kick in. 2) I do see a counselor and since I was feeling very suicidal I went to the counseling center and asked to see my counselor. I have signed a no suicide contract. I will see my counselor again Wed. 3) I don't blame my ex for these feelings of unhappiness bc I have felt like this for years. But for some reason I have been super upset over this break up and I feel like a psychotic person. It really hurts me that he told me he was not interested in dating anyone and then he started dating someone right after dumping me, who works at the gas station he always goes to. It hurts knowing that he probably met her while dating me bc he always stopped to get a Mountain dew at the gas station before coming to see me. I am sick of guys dumping me. I have had one friend each month this year get engaged/promised. This only depresses me more because my whole life my dream was to get married young and start having kids around age 25/26. I didn't want to have kids right when I got married. I also wanted to be a young mom. Anyway I've pretty much repeated that in many threads and I know that I'm young blah blah. I have never been the dumper always the dumpee. I am constantly rejected. Yes I know that there are people with worse lives than me but that makes me feel worse for feeling the way I do. I never have been happy and I truly would like to die, BUT I know that everytime I want to I get indecisive bc I can never go back once I do it. :( I truly regret the day I was born. Perhaps I should not have shared this online. I also wanted to say thank you for all of you who PM me. I do appreciate it. |
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I am sorry you feel this way. Now you have an online support system. There are folks on here who will give you friendship and advice. Be strong and keep talking about your problems. Have you talked to your parents? (Sorry did not read all of your post). Also talk to your CLOSE sorority sisters. |
Listen, I know things can get rough and sometimes it feels like problems and dispair are snowballing out of contro. Don't think your better off dead. Here is some advice. On a beautiful day go walk around outside in a park and just keep walking I'm serious. Just let yourself release all of your tension. One time I got really stressed and starting walking around downtown san antonio and like 2 hours later I ended up in some residential area it was crazy. It sucked because I had to walk 2 hours back downtown to pick up my car. needless to say I got the demons out.
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Wow, this is a tough topic....
Suicide is not the answer. Take how you are feeling about your breakup and multiply that by one million and you now have how your friends and family would feel if something happened to you. You wouldn't want to put any undeserved pain on your family for such an awful mistake, would you? You are a good person. People love you for who you are. Who cares if you are always the dumpee and not the dumper?!? These guys just don't know what they are missing out on. I noticed that you are roughly around my age....it takes time, especially while in college, to find a mature boyfriend who is ready for what you appear to be ready for. So many of my friends have recently been engaged also. But you know what? These are the same girls that won't go anywhere without their boyfriends and they are missing out on so much of their college experience because of their decisions. I think that they are going to regret their choices, and probably won't make it the wedding date because they will realize the mistake they have made. Basically, don't worry about other people getting engaged...your time will come and you will be ready. Give your medicine a little time to kick in. I hope it works for you and I hope you try to look at the brighter side of life. |
Lana, I am so sorry that you are going through such a difficult time.
I think that you are definitely on the right track. A therapist can definitely help you learn some coping techniques. Before you know it, you won't be coping. You will be living and enjoying your life. Tragedies, challenges, and difficulties enter everyone's life. You will learn how to move through these times. It sometimes takes one month before the medication will kick in and work. Try to be patient and give it time. I have a friend who suffered from depression for many years. She took her medication and saw a therapist regularly. She ate well, exercised, got enough sleep, and took better care of herself. She began to recover from her deoression. She has gotten married and is a mother now. These things happened for her when she was well and ready for them. The same thing can happen for you. :) I wish you good mental health. |
Sounds pretty bleak right now. I can tell you that years ago I guess you could have called me depressed.
I didn't like a damned thing about my life at the time. But you know what? It got better. What helped me was to rationalize what I was feeling, to say that I'm going to live many many more years and experience all kinds of emotional peaks and vallies. This was just a low point. And it WILL get better. That's the thing. Do whatever it takes to help get your emotional self back on track and live life! Good things will have a way of falling in your lap. If they don't, make them happen! |
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My mother was bi-polar (formerly known as manic-depressive). When I was 7, she attempted suicide, but fortunately, she was unsuccessful. This was before the "miracle" of lithium was widely known-fortunately, before she died of other causes, she did discover lithium, and led a relatively normal-happy life. I will tell you my mom was devoted to my siblings & I, and she was a wonderful teacher. BUT she had a chemical imbalance that had absolutely nothing to do with her being self absorbed. Bi-polar Disorder has been shown to be hereditary. My husband is aware of my family history & I have asked him to help me recognize it if I ever develop symptoms, and we are also on the lookout for our children's behavior. So far, so good. Attitudes and comments like that "First of all, the only reason people become depressed is because they become self-absorbed in their own problems. They only think about themselves. A form of conceit." are just a reflection of how far we have to go in educating the general public about mental illness as an ILLNESS. People suffering from them should seek help. But they should not be ridiculed/stigmatized/berated/discriminated against for having a disease that they have absolutely no control over. Lana-I won't repeat what everyone else has said. Of course I hope you get the help you need, but maybe this thread will help to educate some people who have no idea what you & others are going through. |
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parents, clothes, school, etc. etc. most of us deal with that for a year or two (or more) and come out ok at the end. people with depression have a chemical imbalance that THEY CAN NOT CONTROL!!! would you tell a person who was diagnosed with cancer that they were conceited.....i think not! mental illnesses are REAL and they affect more people than you probably know!!! statements like this are why people HIDE their mental illnesses bc they are treated like they are doing something wrong or that they should be ashamed of themselves. would you tell a person in a wheel chair that they should get a grip on things and get over it!!! physical disabilities are viewed so differently than mental disabilities. people can live with clinical depression for many years without treatment and then an incident (like a break up or a job loss, etc.) occur and they fall completely apart. unfortunately, their brain does not give them the amount of chemicals it needs so that they know things will be ok! now, on to looking at other people who have problems (like the people who are mentally challenged) well, honestly, i work with children and adults with severe autism, mental retardation and behavior disorders. most of them also have many medical problems to top it all off....but they don't know what they are missing. they have no concept of what other 20somethings are doing bc they still can't control their own bladders. (note: i am not saying this is the same for every person with mental retardation/ autism, just the group of students that i work with/ have worked with). the adolescents i worked with didn't know they were too fat or not pretty enough to get the captain of the football team to ask them out bc they were too busy watching the little mermaid and mulan. now, i love these guys and they have given me so much more than i can ever explain, but they have an abnormal brain function.....hmmmm, just like people with depression.....just in a different degree. so before you open your mouth and say things like that, think for a second about whether or not it is an appropriate thing to say to someone who just said they wanted to commit suicide!! instead of criticizing someone in need, take a look around your neighborhood and find someone to help! oh, and i just have to say as the special educator.....always think people first....a person who is mentally challenged...a person with autism. first and foremost, they are people....then they have a disability. |
Do I think it's selfish....
YES!
And here's a story why! About 3 or 4 years ago my father had a coworker that decided to take his own life, leaving his wife, daughter and son to live with the pain of his loss. And this loss was not a normal loss...it's a HAUNTING LOSS. One that makes you wonder what was so bad that it was worth ending your life over. Well then about a year ago this month, the mother of that family decided to commit suicide. The worst part was she did it on the night of her daughter's prom. So her daughter returned from prom to find her mother hung in the basement. Now THINK...THINK THINK THINK about what sort of IMPACT that had on those two children who are now PARENTLESS!!!!! How dramatic that would be to go through TWO suicides! It's just so gut-renchingly SAD. It breaks my heart to think about it. These two high school children will now have to go through the rest of their lives without their parents...and why? BECAUSE THEY WERE SELFISH! They did not have the intrest of their childern or each other in mind. If you're sad, depressed or contemplating suicide remember this story and the impact it would have on your family and friends. It's not the answer. It's a perminant solution to a temporary problem. I hope anyone who reads this understands and seeks help immediately!:( |
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But, to say that depression is a result of self-absorbtion is one of the most miseducated and ignorant comments I have heard on GC about a serious topic. People do suffer from chemical inbalances...ever heard of serotonin? It's a chemical that comes in natural ebbs and flows--and some people stop producing it for a time, for whatever reason--and that is what sometimes causes depression. NOT SELFISHNESS! If depression were something you could snap out of and pray your way out of, there would be no need for Paxil/Zoloft/Prozac/Sarafem/what have you. What you described is TEEN ANGST, which does not equal depression. I'm not depressed, but I have many friends who are, and some of them are the LEAST selfish people I have ever met. They would do anything for their friends; but for whatever reason, their neurochemistry isn't exactly on their sides. Oh yeah, I don't believe in a God. Does that mean I'm doomed to depression because I couldn't pray my way out of my self-absorbtion? Nope...I have a support system of friends and family, as well as a therapist I can go to when things get really bad. THAT attitude about mental illness is why there's such a stigma against it, especially in communities of color. Lana, from all the posts, it's obvious that you have a support system, and things will be okay--you have a whole gaggle of GCers on your side. |
Ok people, lets not jump all over white_chocolate for stating her beliefs in an open public forum.
stating her opinion is absolutely appropriate. Even if you diagree strongly. |
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Depression is not caused by people being self-absorbed. That is a result. Depression can cause people to become hyper focused on their problems and those problems can take over their lives.
If you have lived with or known someone who is depressed, it might however seem the way that white_chocolate described. When my friend was depressed, people told her to snap out of it. This was not possible. It's like telling someone with a physical disease to snap out of it. She did get therapy and medication and is living a fulfilling life. This is why someone suffering from depression needs to go to a qualified doctor or therapist for help. As well meaning as everyone is here including white_chocolate, they are not always accurate. :) |
A couple of years ago I had to attend the memorial service for a former co-worker who had commited suicide. I think the worst part was that he did it on campus so I had to hear about it in rumors from people who didn't know him.
Anyway, I sat at the memorial and listened to so many people cry and mourn and express shock over what had happened. His sister explained that he had made it sound like he was so alone that she hardly expected anyone to come. Instead there was a room full of people... shocked and devastated. All I could think was that I wished he had known how much love existed for him in the world before doing this.... One thing becomes clear though. Most people are blessed enough to never understand the level of pain that would cause someone to do a thing like this. Recognize that as a blessing and don't judge the less fortunate. And if you ever get that low... please, seek help. |
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Opinion does not = blanket statement of perceived fact. |
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I do remember being 21, and I only remember how wonderful it was. You're going through a difficult time, maybe it's a lasting very long, but I don't think the solution is to end it. Is suicide selfish? I don't really have a reasonable answer, there are so many questions people want to ask after someone does it to find out why, it's just such a sad and horrible thing to discuss. There is so much a person will miss out on if they kill themselves. You'll never hear the latest music from your favorite band, never know how many sequels to Austin Powers there really are, never knowing all of interesting and things. Think of everything you'll miss out on before contemplating suicide. There are a lot of other places in this world that suffer differently and mange to hold on. I don't know the specifics of your illness, it is none of my business. However, I do think that whatever you believe in, it was not that you are intended to take your own life. You were given the chance of life for a purpose, potential a great and magnificent one. Don't take that away from yourself, believe that you are strong enough to overcome this obstacle and you'll be able to handle each day as it comes. Depression is just a disability built as a challenge. I know people that have pulled though it; the hardest part was talking about it. I probably haven't made complete sense here, but don't worry, I won't bother you about this. Suicide should not be your answer. |
LANA< FOR CRYING OUT LOUD< PM ME!!!!!!!!!!!:(
Need to find out vat is is up K:confused: You are to important a person to me! We went thru on other and did not hear from you, lets get this straightened up soon!:) Just me. U know how I care! K? PM ME! LUV YA! |
FYI
http://content.health.msn.com/conten...e/55/13765.htm What is depression? Depression is a mood disorder that causes symptoms such as low energy, prolonged sadness or irritability, and lack of interest in daily activities. It can be triggered by a chemical imbalance or stressful, emotional situations. Depression is a medical condition, not a character flaw or weakness. Many people with depression do not seek treatment because they are embarrassed or think they will get over it on their own. If you feel you have depression or have been diagnosed with depression, there are many successful treatments available to help you. You do not have to live with depression. What causes depression? The cause of depression is not entirely clear. It is thought to be caused by an imbalance of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Depression seems to run in families and is often triggered by stressful life events and lack of social support, and it tends to recur. Who gets depression? Anyone can develop depression regardless of age, race, or social status. Women experience depression twice as often as men, although men are more likely to commit suicide as a result of depression.1 One out of every 10 people who visit a doctor has depression, but it goes unrecognized or undertreated in about half of those with the disorder.1 If left untreated, depression can lead to poor quality of life and increased risk of suicide. Depression is a growing problem and is often underdiagnosed in children and older adults. In children and adolescents, depression might be mistaken for hormonal “moodiness.” Older adults may think it is normal to experience feelings of depression along with aging. Depression is not normal at any age, and treatment is important. What are the symptoms of depression? Depression is more than just the normal, temporary feelings of sadness and hopelessness associated with difficult life events. Symptoms of depression occur for at least 2 weeks and include 5 or more of the following: Problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions Changes in eating and sleeping habits A loss of interest in things you once enjoyed Difficulty going to work or taking care of your daily responsibilities Feelings of guilt and hopelessness. It is common for depression to make you wonder if life is worth living. Slowed thoughts and speech, or no speech Preoccupation with thoughts of death or suicide Atypical or uncommon symptoms of depression can also include: Complaints (such as headache and stomachache) with no physical cause. Weight gain instead of weight loss. Sleeping too much. What is a depressive episode? A depressive episode usually has a distinct beginning and ending and lasts at least 2 weeks. You may have one or many episodes of depression throughout your life, and each episode increases the chances that you will have another. Depressive episodes can be brief or last a long time, and symptoms can be mild to severe. Sometimes episodes of depression are preceded or followed by periods of high energy (mania). For more information, see the topic Bipolar Disorder. How is depression treated? Depression is often treated successfully with professional counseling and medications such as antidepressants. Let your health professional know if you suspect you have depression, as it is often overlooked or undertreated. Once diagnosed, you and your health professional can decide how to best treat your depression. The earlier you are treated, the more quickly you will recover. Are there different types of depression? Depressive disorders are classified according to their severity and duration. Depression may be mild, moderate, or severe. It may start suddenly (acute) or be long-lasting (chronic). Dysthymic disorder, for example, is chronic mild depression. Can depression cause other health problems? Research supports a relationship between depression and other diseases. However, it is not yet clear whether depression is a cause or a result of other illnesses. |
Lana,
You are definitely on my prayer list. Whenever you get a moment, please check out this thread... http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...&threadid=6154 BE BLESSED! This thread reminds me that we as friends, family, associates, etc should make a conscience effort to tell those that we care about how much we love them NOW......and not when it is too late. |
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Try to find ways to make yourself feel good valued. Believe that you are a good person and you have a purpose in this world. Continue to talk with friends and family members, if possible. |
Funny that I was going thru the boards and found this thread.
I've read a lot of what people have written. I don't see suicide as selfish. Why? Because I believe that sometimes others make people's lives so miserable that they can't find another way out. I'm not saying that in all cases though. I don't think people realize the impact that their words or actions have on others. I have always been someone who is effected by others, even when I know I shouldn't be. I have my ups and my downs. For example, I've been kinda happy lately, but the last few days I've just been really upset and have been begging my friends to take me out so I don't sit at home thinking about everything. There are a few words that people say that will totally set me off into a very depressed mood, and today a guy that I really like called me one of these words. And what I coincidence? I was searching the boards and found an interesting post by him that had to do with depression. People need to be nicer and watch what they say. Ever since 10th grade when I started feeling like this, I've tried a lot more to be nicer to people, because you never know what kind of secrets they have. Maybe he'll read this and think about what he said. I'm not sayin to baby someone who is depressed, but what people do or say DOES have an impact on some people. I've thought about suicide alot... more than I should. I've cut my arms on more than one occassion because I was so upset. I regret doing that because they are so noticeable and everytime I look at them I think "damn, why do I let people get to me like that?" I've never been to a doctor. Back in high school when I really needed help, my mom didn't believe me and told me that I didn't have any problems. I wonder how she'd feel if she knew that she was one of the problems. I've never been diagnosed as clinically depressed, although my best friend who is a psych major told me that I should go. The one thing that I realized that makes me feel better.... crying. Everytime I'm home alone, I just sit and realize how many things in my life make me unhappy, things that I cannot change. So I cry my eyes out until I feel better. And it works. Everyone.... please be careful of what you say to people or call people. Some people may seem "pathetic" because they are having problems, and looking for new friends to cheer them up. damn that felt good to get all that out |
PM Mama I am REALLY worried about you. I think crying is a great form of therapy, but i think in your case maybe some prescription drugs will help you not feel so horrible.
I really hope you find some great new friends that treat you great. |
There's nothing to be worried about. I definately would NEVER committ suicide because I actually wana see how my life turns out and if my predictions are right. And I stopped cutting a long time ago. It just took some realization that I shouldn't care so much what people say. But I'm sure everyone knows that when you hear something from someone that you like, it's gona take a different effect. Now I just say screw him... I don't need him.
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