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My Heart Goes Out to those Effected by Teen Suicide


As a freelance writer, I write about many different subjects. Most often, my topics are mundane and business oriented. However, there are times when I write about subjects that touch my heart and bring tears to my eyes. I recently had to write a piece on teen suicide. An 18-year-old girl took her life after falling victim to sexual abuse. She gathered the courage to tell others (teachers, counselors, police), but detectives told her they had trouble believing her and it was left at that.

A year after she seeks help, justice, and healing she chooses to end her pain by suffocating herself at home. How this turns my stomach, fills my heart with pain, and leaves me to ask why someone did not do more for her. I have a young daughter. I warn her about people with dark intentions. I tell her to protect her body and to always tell someone in the event of the unthinkable. Nevertheless, this young woman spoke out and was ignored. On top of the pain she suffered from abuse she was shamed and shut out by those who she thought would help her.

What does this say about the world we live in? How can you tell your children to trust in police officers, teachers, clergy, and others who we have come to rely on as community helpers? I feel as if the world I knew no longer exists. Every corner there is fear, hate, and sorrow. How do we as parents support and guide our children when we ourselves feel uncertain? Though I do not have this answer, I will move forward in this life with faith. Faith that there is still good in man and that there are still those who you can place you trust in.

I also want to tell those who have lost a friend or a family member to suicide to be strong. Cherish the memories and hold them close to your heart. Do not weigh yourself down with guilt. We always are left to believe we should have done more. Fill yourself with the loving memories of this person and move forward in life as a gift to them. For those young people who feel this world is too much or that no one cares this is not the case. There are people in this world who have not met you but care for you deeply. There are people in the world that would be a listening ear or a helping hand. If you feel like death is an escape, do not give in. Seek help and never give up. Call a suicide hotline 1-800-SUICIDE. If you feel like your plea for help goes unheard, tell someone else. Keep telling us until someone hears. Your voice, your life is precious. Life is worth the fight and the struggle. I know. For 10 things in life that make you, feel miserable there is the 1 thing in life that will make it all worthwhile. My love, thoughts, and prayers go out to Y-O-U!!!

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