Teen suicide

An article addressing teen suicide and suicide prevention found here at msn.com, just makes me sad. As I read this article, I think about my kids, and how lucky I am that they didn’t try to take their own lives in the midst of the mess of a family life that they grew up in.

For the teens that are actually talking about this, I am happy for all the kids that have begun to discuss this subject, and are getting help for their depression. I understand that this subject is taboo, and it is very hard to talk about. However, as a member of a 12-step recovery group, I can tell you from personal experience sharing what you are going through, be it real or perceived, can really help you to get through it.

Knowing that someone else has had the same thoughts, feelings, or experiences, and they made it through to the other side has a deep impact on my personal life. I have realized in the last few years that I am not the only one who ever married an alcoholic. (duh!) I am not the only one who put up with such emotional abuse for longer than necessary. I also, am not the only one who has ever contemplated how to end the life of said alcoholic, or how to end my own life in order to stop the suffering. I have learned during my recovery that no matter how insane those things sound to a “normal” person, to a person who has shared the same life experiences, those things are just a reaction to an insane lifestyle.

FYI: I never followed through on any of those thoughts. Thank God! Today, I can not imagine ever feeling those feelings. And I know that those teens who are sharing their experience, strength and hope with each other will have success as well. They will get through these feelings, and come out on the other side stronger people for it. Hopefully, with those strong young people growing into stronger adults, our nation will once again become a great nation, led by great people.