Suicide Prevention

 

Okay guys...  Another big topic I deal with a lot, and one which motivates me to do what I do...Teenage Suicide.   You may not have these thoughts, but, you may.  If so...HOLD ON!!  If you know a teenager who is struggling emotionally, mentions suicide, or has bouts of depression...please pay attention.  All of us feel overwhelmed from time to time.  But, during the teenage years feelings of frustration, loneliness, rejection, or even feelings of being different can take a whole new and vicious turn.  The chemical imbalances and mood swings we all endure(d) as teenagers are a terrible combination when coupled with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, distress, even anger. 

 

Combine these volatile elements with the anxiety of being gay, having gay feelings or tendencies, or even uncertainty of gay erotic arousal...  well...I can tell you from personal experience that the feelings are real, they are strong, and most of the time logic and reason are far from the teenager’s brain during these overpowering bouts.

 

 

I'm writing about it here, now, because I want any of you who read my work to know I do care about you, about your friends, about kids who are at the end of themselves.  But caring is not enough.  We all have to be willing to step up, to step into the world of a hurting soul and reach out a hand of human compassion.  We have to make a difference.  Some of these boys have homes with caring family...others are not so fortunate.  All around us are boys who are kicked out of their homes and comfort zones once their feelings are made public.  You may not believe that...but I know it to be true.  I hear from far too many boys who cry themselves to sleep to not believe this truth.

 

If I am talking about you...if it is YOU feeling desperate, lonely, overwhelmed...listen.  I care about you.  And, I am not alone.  You are not alone.  Despite fears you have right now, trust me...there are people within reach of you right now who can help you, who WILL help you...who WANT to help you.  I am going to start at a starting point. 

 

Here is a website address for some help,  AND  a phone number:

 

http://www.thetrevorproject.org   866-4-U-TREVOR      (866) 488.7386

 

Thank you, Crispin for sending me this link.  You are a brave soul. 

 

I am going to ask Crispin to help me post it up here as a link, as well as asking Giovanni to do the same on my other site.  I may start developing a list of resources...it is a thought I am having, as I talk to guys all over the globe:  Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, England, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Greece, Holland, Canada, USA,...and many more.  Thousands of you have written or emailed.  And hundreds have told me terrible stories about what you have or do endure.   If you know if a good resource in your area, or anywhere a kid might need some kind words, a voice of encouragement, or a helping hand…send me the information and/or link and I’ll find a way to make them available as well.

 

 

I can tell you all this...there IS HOPE!  Love wins...if we give love and hope a chance. 

 

 

Love is greater than the evil, the hatred, the violence out there you may be facing.  I know...that sounds corny, cheesy, lame...whatever.  But it is absolutely the truth.  Love is greater than evil. 

 

See, I have this theory...some of you have heard this from me in the past:  Evil is a vacuum...and absence of love.  Like there is no real description or tangibleness to darkness; neither is there of evil.  Oh, yes, we experience darkness and evil...they are REAL...this is for certain.  But how do you define darkness?  Isn't darkness the ABSENCE of light?  Yes.  It is a void.  An emptiness.  No light equals darkness.  That is what I feel about evil – it is the absence of good, of love.  When you find someone to love…the emptiness begins to dissipate.

 

There is there IS hope. 

 

Okay, I'll stop preaching.  My point is to ask you to reach out for help.  Suicide is NOT an answer.  It is a horrible complexity to a dreadful situation.  You will not be helped by it, no one wins at suicide.  All of us suffer if you suffer.  No winners. 

 

Do me a favor.  Check out this website.  http://www.thetrevorproject.org    Call the phone number...ask for help.  866-4-U-TREVOR      (866) 488.7386

 

If you want to talk to me personally...email me and I'll send you my personal phone number.  I really do care.  And, I have great hope in tomorrow.  It gets better.  Not always easier...but it will get better. 

 

“Hold on my child,

Joy comes in the morning…

 

Hold on my child,

Weeping only lasts for the night…

 

Hold on my child,

Joy comes in the morning….

 

The darkest hour means dawn is just I sight.”

 

~ copied