Saddened ...

This saddens me too, because I've been there. It is horrendous anytime, but back then, at that age, when it's the first time it all hits you at once, it can truly feel unbearable. There were several BTers but for whom I probably would not be here now.

I'm glad you posted it, though. I feel like I have so much to say ... EVERYONE will encounter this issue, either in themselves or someone they know.

There IS help. Whether you have insurance or not, whether you believe it or not, THERE IS HELP. And yes, it might be long and frustrating and bureaucratic, but it really may not either, and it is MUCH EASIER to go through than what you are now.

And the rest of us--please never be afraid or hesitate to reach out to someone regardless of how well you know them or not. These really can be life or death issues ... treat them as if you just saw someone go off a bridge in a car.

Another beautiful statement by her Yantiness.  Thank you, dear.

All of our children and myself suffer from depression.  Fortunately for them, I believe in getting help and it helped them to seek out help!  Hubby doesn't believe that depression is really medicine worthy.  He always think that if you just think positive thoughts you won't be depressed.  Our oldest self-medicates.  

Even with meds, I still need to take Xanax in order to keep some of those thoughts at bay.  There are certain triggers that i haven't figured out how to handle yet.

When hubby left us, suicide was always a thought away.  The only thing that kept me from following through was what it would do to my kids and what my grandson would think of me.  

Terrible.  My condolences.

Sounds like the parents did what they could, but yet another reminder to be in touch with  your kids.  Not just around them, but truly present.  Enough to maybe pick up on something and not disregard them as phases/moody or too much effort to deal with at the moment.

BUT, I'm not a parent, so I don't know how hard it is.

I would just like to say GREAT JOB!!! on doing this. Even though you didn't really know her, you took the time and initiative to try and stop a terrible situation before it happened. I work in Law Enforcement and have unfortunately dealt with numerous suicide incidents. In my experiences, one common theme is that a majority of people who either commit or try to commit suicide do tell someone or drop clues to their intentions. Most really do not want too but see no other solution to their problems and are looking for someone to help them. Could you tell us what happened? is she ok? But seriously, even if she didn't really mean it or plan on doing anything, good job calling 911 and sending someone to check her wellbeing.

Please use this thread for additional discussion regarding depression, anxiety issues, and for bullying issues.

It needs to be discussed, just as much as gun control, political issues, Lance Armstrong, goofy threads, dating threads, etc. etc. etc.

You are all welcome for your thoughts.  A healthy discussion sometimes help.

Most of all, THANK YOU all, for participating.  You just never know who you may help.

It's been 23 years since my nephew committed suicide at age 14. Pretty much not a day goes by that I don't think about him...what kind of man might he be today?...married? kids? career?...but we'll never know. He was facing what he thought was a serious issue, but didn't reach out to anyone. So many things I'd like to be able to say to him. My sister has persevered through the years, but I know she still hurts.

My advice is to try your best to reach out to someone who might be struggling. You never know if it will your voice that prevents these terrible tragedies.  

This thread goes through cycles of being active and not, but it's a fantastic place right here on BT to get and give support, discuss, vent, question, etc:

Depression and Moods: Check In

This one is really good too, for those struggling with or affected by substance abuse issues:

Becoming Sober