Hello friend,

If you are reading this post, you are one of two people.

You may be someone faced with seemingly un-bearable emotional pain. Feeling desperate, and having no one else to go to for help, you come here seeking answers. You're looking for words of inspiration to prevent you from from doing the unthinkable, as you are not ready to give up on life quite yet. The thought of suicide is terrifying, and the fact that you fantasize about it concerns you, as it should. You're probably thinking, "Have things really become so bad? Is my life such a mess that happiness seems out of reach? Will ending my life relieve this pain?" The fact that you are here is a good sign. It means that, despite your depression, your still debating whether you really want to go through with ending your life. It means that hope isn't lost.

Then, there are the others. Those who have either attempted to end their lives, and failed, and those who have considered it. Knowing how difficult such times are, you come here to offer your support to others. Thankfully, you realized in time the drastic wave effect suicide has, and faced the tough times head on. So, you come here now in hopes that your comments to others might just prevent them from ending their young lives prematurely. You have found a greater cause, to defend humankind's most precious posession... life. I, for one, admire this type of person. A few, well chosen words of support can make a world of difference in someone's life, even if over the internet.

Suicide is, sadly, the second leading cause of death amongst people ages 15-24. Car crashes, obviously, being the first. The saddest part about that fact is... suicide is a DECISION. A decision meaning that rather than going for help, a person decided they would sooner cease to exist. So many caring, understanding people are available through counceling, support lines or even e-mail. A lot of them won't even accept money, they are there because they CARE. I encourage those who are feeling depressed to seek them out. I KNOW that they are more than capable of giving you the revelation you seek. Please don't let your embarrassment entail a tragedy.

I wish to provide a link. A link to a brief, concise FAQ site regarding suicide. At the very least, I hope you'll realize you are not alone in your depression.

FAQs about suicide - Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia

Take the time to consider how suicide will effect those around you. Your family, no matter how hostile they seem at the moment, will NEVER recover from it. They will ALWAYS live with the notion that a loved one needed help, and they failed to provide it. No one should have to live like that.

So, please friend, I beg you. Before making the decision to end your life, talk to someone. Talk to someone who cares and understands, via phone, e-mail or in person. These services are 100% anonymous, so there is absolutely no risk. It may, however, be the most life changing experience you will ever have. And I promise, you will not regret it.

Take care, and may tommorrow bring better days,

A.O.