I’m Hurting

Depression happens. Suicide doesn’t have to.

That is our motto here at Unite 4 Life. Depression happens. Everyone goes through times when they hurt. If you are hurting right now, you are not alone. This is the first thing we want you to know: You don’t have to hurt alone. The most important thing that you can do when you are hurting is to get friends and trusted adults involved in your life. This helps because:

Life is not so overwhelming when other people are supporting us.
Others help us see the "big picture" beyond our pain right now.
Life doesn’t hurt as bad when we know people care about us and we have people to talk to.
Others help us see options and solutions that we don’t think of ourselves.

Our natural response when we are hurting is to isolate ourselves and not ask for help. You’ll have to fight against that, tell people how you’re feeling, and allow people to help you through.

Ask yourself these questions:

Who are my friends that I know care about me unconditionally? Who are the friends that are going to encourage me to make good choices? Who are that friends that I can trust with my deepest feelings? Who are the friends who are going to stick with me through this no matter what?
Who are the adults in my life that I trust and I know they want the best for me?
Is this something I should talk to my parents about?
Do I have other family members I feel comfortable talking to?
Are there any of my friends’ parents that I can go to?
Who is the one teacher, coach, or school staff that I trust the most?
Are there any adults in the community or at a church/worship center that I know well enough to talk to?

Identify the trusted friends and adults in your life and then open up to them. Talk to them about how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. Ask them to support you and to help you find solutions to your pain.

Please contact us or a National Teen Crisis Hotline if you need a trusted adult to talk to. We have programs and resources to help support you.

Suicide does not have to be a choice that you consider when you are hurting. You do not have to end your life to end your pain. There are so many ways to deal with your circumstances and your emotions. Suicide is not a quick and easy way out. It is very painful and messy. That is why it is so important to talk to people when you are hurting. They will support you through this so that you do not have to consider suicide.

The solutions to your circumstances and your pain may not be easy, but they are worth it. It may take some time and the support of a lot of people, but you will get through it. There is so much ahead of you in life!