EncourageTheYouth

EncourageTheYouth!

Gary,

   I am 20 years old, although I am not a teen anymore I am still dealing with a lot. I came down with a health issue when I was 13 years old that made me miss a lot of school. From then on things changed, I lost a lot of my friends. I became very suicidal, and started hurting myself. My high school ended up finding out along with my parents and my parents claimed it was a “phase”.

  I took it upon myself to get help from a psychitrist who put me on meds. Things seemed to get better, but i still had episodes where I would hurt myself and think suicide was the only way out. I still have these feelings. 9 months ago, I was convinced I was going to kill myself b/c I was just so sick of living like this.

  I get into stages where I feel better, and then worse again. Right now I’m ok, but I just wonder If I will ever get better?! Its been almost 8 years and I still feel this pain and thing these horrible thoughts. I go awhile without cutting or burning, then I relapse.

Advice? 

I am very happy to hear that you took it upon yourself to seek help from a professional. I too have been in the same exact boat. My suggestion would be to find some sort of hobby. My personal remedy has been Martial Arts and MMA, believe it or not. Training and practicing relieves physical tension and mental stress. The physical activity helps keep my body healthy, which in turn, keeps my mind healthy. When you find something positive that makes you happy, be sure to stick with it!

  I have lived with depression, anxiety, panic disorder etc for around 8 or 9 years myself, friend. I can tell you that it gets MUCH easier when you find a way that suits your personal needs. Do you enjoy art, writing, exercise, sports, or maybe even hangin’ out with some close friends? All of these are positive outlets that will ease your soul.

  Also, be sure to visit your therapist regularly and be HONEST about your problems, otherwise, they cannot help you properly. If you feel that your current care plan is not benefiting your needs, be sure to speak up. Please keep in mind that suicide is a PERMANENT solution to a TEMPORARY problem!

  Imagine where you want to be ten years from now, married, homeowner, what job, etc. Now draw out a year-by-year plan of how you are going to get there! you will be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you set personal goals for yourself.

  I do hope that this has helped you out. If not, please contact me again, either here on tumblr, or on twitter @EncourageYouth, or facebook @Hope line for Teenagers.

  Also, here is some emergency contact info if you are ever in critical need in help, if you ever feel you are going to physically harm yourself in ANY way, I urge you to call one of these numbers first. Keep in mind that I am NOT a professional, merely an advice-giver. These people can help you out much better than I.

  -National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255): Suicide hotline, 24/7 free and confidential, nationwide network of crisis centers.

  -National Hopeline Network 1-800-784-2433

Take care my friend! I hope to hear from you soon.
  -Gary