Throughout a person's life, there will always be struggles that may seem to hard to overcome. It's the people that are able to push through the "mud" that come out ten times stronger. Those who are able to find a way to escape the pain in order to make themselves feel better. They act as though nothing is wrong and won't say say what is really bothering them. Instead, they resort to violence or self harm. For example, cutting themselves to take away the pain that is eating away at them from the inside out. Usually people who cut themselves try and hide the cuts because they do not want the attention or the help from others. They feel as though they have it all figured out, when they really don't. Those who remain silent are the ones who need the most help.
One month after I graduated, someone I went to school with killed themselves. The demon inside won the battle. Nobody knew that he was battling depression. Seeing him the hallway he acted like a normal teenager would. Go to class, socialize, and play sports. Nobody would have suspected that underneath all of the "normal" he wasn't happy with what he considered "normal". Life for him was too much to handle and no longer could he keep pushing through the "mud". It became too thick and no longer was he able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. All that was visible to him was darkness.
In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Every year there are 44,773 Americans that aren't able to tie the knot. Instead, the only solution they seem fit is to cut the knot and end the pain. This solution is a permanent solution that leaves others with broken pieces to pick up. Suicide is not something to take lightly. Never should it be brushed under the rug. A child or adult may act as though everything is okay, but those who don't seek attention are the ones who need the most attention.
Imagine just finding out a few hours ago that your sibling, someone you have grown up with for 11 years and slept in the same room together for 6 years was battling depression.
Lastly, I not only went to school with someone who committed suicide. My sister almost 2 years ago went through depression. Nobody knew what was going on with her. She acted what my family considered her normal self. It was unknown that deep down she was unhappy with herself. There was people at school that bullied her after they found out what was going on.
That same night I had received a message from a girl I go to school with asking about my sister. She was babysitting two boys in her grade and they were talking about her and that she wanted to commit suicide. I responded by telling her yes, I was aware and to please tell the two boys not to say anything. Being an older sibling and not being able to help protect your siblings hurts. It feels as though someone hit you in the gut with a bowling ball. When I was able to protect her, I seized the moment and tried to help her overcome the demon that tried to overtake her. She had enough going on with her mind, she didn't need two 6th grade boys causing problems.
It took about 5 months for her to be okay with herself. Now, she is more open about her feelings and there has been a significant change in her personality. Mentally, she is in a better state and is willing to get help when necessary. Now she knows that she isn't alone. There will always be someone to help her pick up the pieces when deemed necessary.
Life will throw obstacles at you. As far as I can see, you can either overcome it or you can sit in the dark and try and solve it yourself. Depression doesn't always have to end with darkness, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It just takes the help of others and the will power to get through the dark to come out on top.
If you or you know someone who is suffering from depression please call the National Suicide Hotline. 1-800-273-8255. There is someone to talk to 24 hours everyday.
