Use
Words, Not Weapons
When Suffering In Silence
Dear
Harlan,
I
don't know how to explain this because I usually don't talk
to people about my problems. I have really bad anxiety. I
constantly worry about what is going to happen in the next
few hours or days. I get really upset and emotional when I
start to think about my life. Then I start thinking of ways
I could just drop down and die. I get even more depressed
when I notice what I was thinking about. I just go crazy.
I hate having these feelings, and I hate my life. I really
don't know how to fix it. I usually calm myself by drinking
myself to an unstable state of mind. I need help with my life
before I do something I will regret.
AK
Dear AK,
You're talking to me. That's a start. If you can't say it,
write it. Then print it. Then read it to someone or hand it
to someone who can help. Here's the deal: The longer you suffer
in silence, the more detached you'll become. The more detached
you become, the harder it is to cope. Over time, everyone
and everything sets you off - and that's when things become
dangerous to you and those around you. Suffering in silence
is the problem. The way to stop the suffering is simple: Break
the silence. Do it with words (never weapons). There's medication,
therapy and support all around you. Please break your silence
now. Tell a school counselor, a teacher, a parent, someone
who can get you the help you need. And when things get too
heavy, there are crisis hotlines to call. Here's one to keep
with you: 1-800-SUICIDE. Break the silence with words, and
there will be nothing to regret.
