Vibrant CommunicationsFour years ago, my colleagues at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decided to start a conversation about suicide prevention among people under the age of 25, who are considered a high-risk group for suicide attempts. To do this, we needed to make it OK to talk about suicide— and all of the topics that might make someone want to take their life. This was serious stuff—and we realized that the best people to start this conversation would be passionate young adults who knew that no matter what you are going through, you matter. Enter the You Matter Blogger Council.
Still a newbie at the Lifeline, I was overjoyed to take on the project of creating You Matter. After all, it was a young adult that inspired me to work in suicide prevention in the first place. That young adult was my brother Jay, who died by suicide at age 21. As proud as I was to work for the Lifeline, I knew there was little chance that Jay, who had been suffering from schizophrenia for three years before his death, would actually pick up the phone and call. He wasn’t the type to seek help, even when he badly needed it. However, if he had stumbled across some of the posts about other people’s struggles like the ones we have shared on You Matter, I believe he might have been more open to treatment. At the very least, he would have felt less alone in the world.
My brother will always be an influence in my work. But as I continued to edit the blogger’s brave, honest, inspiring, and sometimes tear-jerking posts, You Matter quickly became much less about my brother. Each week, I looked forward to reading every post written by the amazing young adults on the You Matter Blogger Council who, like me, were fighting to prevent suicide and make it OK to talk about mental illness, surviving suicide, coming out as gay or transgender, bullying, self-harm, grief, and pretty much any topic that can shake-up your life.
Today, as I pass the baton to my colleagues at the Lifeline, I’m filled with gratitude that we have created a little space on the Internet where everyone matters. Through the tremendous power of sharing stories, I know that You Matter has made a difference in the lives of people who are struggling. It has forever changed mine.
Jennifer Bell
Mackenzie H.
Comments
25feeling so alone,..
If you are struggling with some tough emotions or feeling lonely, don’t hesitate to call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
I feel lonely
I am sorry to hear you are feeling so alone right now but hurting yourself is never the answer. Don’t hesitate to call The Lifeline for support at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). We are here for you 24/7/365.
I know the feeling Leticia, but you should know that feeling will past. I know it’s sounds easy to say, and even though we are surrounded by people we still feel lonely. When I feel lonely, I like to write in a journal, do word puzzles, suduko, or sometimes just gaze at the sky. It helps me feel comfortable being alone, and it also gives me time to think of new goals for my life. Best Wishes Leticia!
You’ll never be alone in hell just jump off a bridge and its gg
I want to die im not afraid because my parents doesnt care about me anymore and he cares about his boyfriend. Lets see after this whats shes gonna be reaction
i KNOW LIFE IS WORTH LIVING, i know that life is a struggle but as long as goals are met, the hustle is justified. . . . but thats my problem, i cannot reach any goals i set before me. Since i was a little i suffered from mild depression, my mother says it has to due with her emotional stability while pregnant with me. She was miserable and depressed while pregnant due to my fathers lack of concern and commitment. . . . ive researched this and there are studies that back this up … but thats not the point. im tired of feeling as if i am not good anything, i cannot seem to accomplish anything
Gin a, you are right: life IS worth living! It sounds like you’re struggling with some things, and you need support. Please let us help you! Call us anytime, at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).
I feel so low right now, I’ve had struggles after struggles and I just can’t fight anymore. I’ve had so much bad luck and it’s just never ending. I’m a good person and never would I hurt any one or want them to just feel half of the pain I’m feeling. So whys this happening to me? I’ve been crying out for help for a long time now I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to kill or hurt myself but I wake up everyday wishing I didn’t. I have a son & this is effecting him. I can’t seem to hide my emotions from him when it’s my job to protect him I’m not so I’m failing at that too. I can’t take my mind off it, im really bad today but luckily my sons fine his dad’s. I can’t d en bring myself to get in shower and get ready. I can’t bring myself to tidy the house when usually it’s spotless. I just do t want tho feel like pain for a another second.
Katie, Thank you for reaching out to us however we do not provide any kind of crisis intervention or suicide prevention services on our blog. The Lifeline is here for you any time day or night at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Don’t hesitate to call us. Your life matters!
My 23 year old son tried taking his life tonight. Thankfully he’s safe for the moment and fast asleep. I on the other hand can’t because my heart is racing with concern. He needs help because I’m confident he’ll try again and maybe then he’ll be successful. I’m terrified. Where do I turn to find the best possible help?
I am so sorry to hear your son is going through such a tough time – if you are struggling with this don’t hesitate to call us any time day or night at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is free, confidential, and here for anyone having a hard time. You may find our main website helpful: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org and under the “Get Help” section you’ll see it says “Get Help for Someone Else.” Hopefully there are some positive tips in there to help you help your son. Having him meet with a doctor or mental health professional is a really good idea.
I want to kill myself for a separate reason than everyone else…. it’s my parents. I can’t seem to go one day without screamed at. I just wished someone would tell them that it hurts my ears, and my esteem. they have no idea what they do to me every time they scream at me. it doesn’t do anything but three things: 1)hurt my ears 2) hurt my esteem 3) make my cry.
I’m 16, but very fragile… it that so hard to understand…? can’t thry just stop? for one day? just stop
but I can’t call, they will see it on my call log. I can’t let them know about my thoughts, all they will do is act like they care, then go back to yelling. they can’t know about my thoughts.
We’re so sorry for all the struggles you are going through and we want to help. If life ever feels like it’s not worth living, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK. The call is free and confidential, and crisis workers are there 24/7 to assist you. You can also log in to chat with someone. Your life matters
I’m reconsidering suicide, and it’s because I’m being physically and mentally abused by everyone around me. When I’m at school I can’t go 10 minutes without being made fun of or beat until I can’t move, People like to hit me for fun, I feel like I’m just everyone’s punching bag, when I’m at home my mother is almost never there, and I’ve never met my father. So my two siblings are there my sister continuously tell me I’m Disgusting, and that no one could ever like me, and my brother, physically beats me, and calls me names, like, faggot and queer, and it seems as though I have no one to turn to
Your life does matter – call us at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and let our crisis counselors help you find hope. Hurting yourself is never the answer! It can be scary to seek help, you don’t have to do this alone
Me..
Hello Rachael, we’re so sorry for all the struggles you are going through and we want to help. If life ever feels like it’s not worth living, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK. The call is free and confidential, and crisis workers are there 24/7 to assist you.
I .. I considering it because of just being the one ignored all the time having to go to school just to be shunned by everyone finding myself as my only friend again and again , any possible conversation I do have is usually cut short because another one of their friends walks by and they go off …. I don’t like being alone .. I used to have fun at my old school but when my parents moved and I switched schools I didn’t think anything would matter I was told we’d go back but as the days and weeks go past …i don’t recognized myself in the mirror anymore .. I just believe the lie I was told I’m going back well that day never happened and it’s been 4 long years of me waiting for that day because my old friends there made me feel better I want to go back . where I see myself now I … I feel alone ignored isolated forgotten by everyone at my new school ..
Your life does matter – call us at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and let our crisis counselors help you find hope. Hurting yourself is never the answer! It can be scary to seek help, you don’t have to do this alone.
Excellent Post….
Nice Post………
Feeling bad for this!
wow