Life Isn't Worth It?
Having thoughts that life isn’t worth it and of taking your own life are thoughts that lots of young people have at some point.
Many young people try to take their own lives and end up in hospital after having harmed themselves. Many more try to take their own lives and no-one ever gets to know about it. Most will recover and never try again, but some will succeed. This is why if you have these thoughts it is important to talk to someone about it.
Suicidal thoughts can happen for a number of reasons;
- Because you have depression, a serious condition that requires treatment.
- Because something has happened that has been very distressing such as an argument with your parent, splitting up with a boyfriend or girlfriend; being bullied; someone close has died; feeling ashamed of something you’ve done or something that wasn’t your fault; confusion about your sexuality, feeling you don’t live up to others expectations; lots of other reasons….
- If you have been using alcohol or drugs heavily, or if someone close to you has committed suicide.
These thoughts can happen to anybody, and can be difficult to explain to other people.
You may not want to die but are looking for an answer to your problems and to make the pain go away. It may not seem like it, but the problem wont last forever; committing suicide does. The pain just transfers to those you leave behind.
If you are having thoughts of suicide you should speak to someone urgently, a friend or family member,perhaps a teacher or a youth worker, or one of the agencies in the Need Help Now? Section.
Getting Help:
The most important thing is not to suffer in silence and to talk to someone about it. Check out the ‘Getting Help’ section.
Try these helplines:
- Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 24 hours a day
- Get Connected 0808 808 4994 1pm – 11pm
- Forty Second Street in Manchester 0161 832 0170 Mon, Thurs and Friday 12.30pm-4.30pm answer machine at other times.
Useful websites
The Calmzone: for young men
Youth2Youth: website and helpline service
Childline: Helpline, message board and info
Look OK Feel Crap: Scottish website with helpline and useful info