Thank you for reaching out and contacting our Hotline tonight! Have you ever talked with one of your parents or another trusting adult in your life about the thoughts you have had about suicide and death? Your parents should know if you are having these thoughts. They are responsible for you and should be able to get you help if you need it.

Have you ever tried to end your life in the past? Can you make a promise to yourself to stay safe and to not attempt suicide? Have you recently lost a loved one by death? Sometimes when someone we love passes away, we think about death and dying more than before and it can be part of the grieving process.

You asked if it would hurt to kill yourself, which is something we can not answer, except that there are many people who survive a suicide attempt only to be scarred for life with brain damage, liver or kidney damage, or another physical or mental problem. I'm so glad that you said that you do want to live, but you also said you are confused and are trying to cope.

In the meantime, can you try journaling or another creative ways to express your feelings? Exercising such as walking or running, dancing, swimming, are also great because they actually change chemicals in the brain which make us feel better. Yoga and other relaxation techniques help us to calm down also. Please write back with your answers to the above questions, and let us know if you can keep yourself safe. We are here 24/7 either by e-mail or you can call and speak with a counselor. Either way, we hope to hear from you in the near future!

Take care,

CJ, Counselor