I never thought id be sending an ask like this but I think i might be having suicidal thoughts. I dont think i would ever act on them but i feel really scared and hopeless and useless and i dont see a future for myself. I keep trying to think about my parents bc i know it would devastate them but at the same time i cant tell them to get help bc i dont want them to think they failed me. I feel so bad what do i do
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Hey Love,
I’m really sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. Please know that there are resources out there. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available any time, day or night. If you ever feel afraid of these thoughts, you can call: 1-800-273-8255. You can also chat on the website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
I understand that you don’t want your parents to feel like they’ve failed you, but you can’t weigh yourself down with how they might take what you have to tell them. It may not be easy, but they love you, and they will look past their feelings and do everything they can to help you. I know it is easier said than done, but you are not responsible for how they will feel or react. You have to let go of that control, and allow them to feel however they feel. Here are some tips on how to talk to your parents about how you’ve been feeling:
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-depression.html.
They may seem upset, but keep in mind that people express fear in a multitude of ways. They may seem angry, but they are just afraid of losing you. I know that you feel helpless and hopeless. Just know that you are not alone. Maybe a support group can help you—surround yourself with like-minded people who are dealing with the same thing. You can help each other. Also, a counselor can be of great help. I recommend looking on www.psychologytoday.com. You can search by location, and specify what type of counselor you are looking for. Your doctor can also help you. Doctors know about different resources in the area, and can also prescribe antidepressants if you want to tackle the issue from that path.
Get moving! Exercise can help you combat depression and anxiety. It doesn’t have to be anything intense like pilates. Just going for a short walk can help you feel better. Also, make sure that you are taking care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat, and stay hydrated. I know that all of that sounds easier said than done, and a lack of motivation can make it all seem impossible. Once you get moving, you will feel lighter. This won’t completely erase your symptoms, but it can help. You can learn more about it here:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495.
Take some control back! Keep doing things that you enjoy. I know that depression can suck all of your energy, and the things you used to enjoy don’t always feel the same, but finding something that brings you peace can add some brightness to the dark times. Read a book, listen to music, cook something. The idea is to keep your mind and body occupied so that you aren’t so sedimentary. Doing something productive can keep you from doing something destructive. Keeping a schedule can be helpful, too. It doesn’t have to be strict, but making sure you get out of bed and focus on something can help a lot.
Hang in there,
Andrea