AIt sounds like you are doing a good job so far of talking yourself out of suicide. It does sound like you are depressed though from your letter it is not clear why. Sometimes there are no specific reasons for depression, and teenagers often feel low for no reason at all. If this feeling of depression hangs around for awhile, it is probably a good idea to get some help with getting a handle on it.

Adolescents often feel that they are in a bad situation and have no way out. This feeling of helplessness and thinking that there are no solutions to a problem are what lead them to suicidal feelings. Talking with a counselor at school or at a mental health center may help you understand better what is going on with you, and how you can deal with your feeling. It is important to share with your parents how you are feeling so that they can help you get the help you need.

It is important to realize that while right now things feel hopeless, these situations are usually temporary, and not permanent. Suicide, on the other hand, is a permanent solution to these temporary problems.

There are some things you might try on your own that kids find helpful. Writing a journal about your feelings is sometimes a good way of figuring out how you feel, and relieving some of the pressure you may be experiencing. Writing is often a very good outlet. Buy yourself a notebook, keep it by your bed, and write in it every day, or every night before you go to sleep. Write about the things that are happening to you and what you are feeling about them.

Another thing to try is exercise. You might laugh, but exercise has been proven to be very good for a person's state of mind. Walk, run, bike, swim or play basketball for 30 minutes every day. See what this does for you.

Good Luck.

Naomi L. Baum, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Also see: Crisis Center/ Suicide