I have experienced points in my life where it felt like suicide was the best option. I have experienced the hopeless feeling of having no reason to keep living. I never want anyone else to experience that. I still struggle with my mental health, but I want people to know that there are ways to improve it.
I’ve heard from teens that are scared to open up about suicidal thoughts for fear of getting in trouble, their parents finding out and being sent to a mental hospital or put on suicide watch. This [stigma] is also true for suicide or mental health hotlines. I personally have had to use the suicide hotline and the people on the other line are there to help; you won’t get in trouble for using it.
The most important help in my mental health journey has been God, who has given me hope for my future. I also got medication and see a therapist, both of which have made significant impacts on my mental health. I have built a support system around me by making closer relationships with friends who love and want to help me.
I have practices in place to help me out of panic attacks; I take time away from people when I need a break and write poetry to express my feelings so that I’m not bottling up my emotions. I also check in on myself throughout the day, seeing how I am feeling with socialization and anxiety. It’s important to be self-aware so that you can catch bad feelings before they get too strong. I make note of the situations that make me feel anxious or drained and come up with ways to help with them in the future.
I want teens to know that there is help available and that the emotions they are feeling are normal and okay. If life really just sucks right now, know that there are practices you can implement to improve your mental health. Develop relationships with people who support you. There are people who want to help.
— Kendall
Featured Story: Kendall
