Charlie Brown and Chris (According to Chris) have many thing in common. Both are trying to navigate life amidst the drama of relationships at school and at home. It is sad and exhausting to watch these “characters” try different ways to shed the drama only to be a target of criticism and ridicule with their peers.
Their sadness and lonliness is palpable and just when you think the depression will overcome these boys, the storyline changes and “life” becomes grand again. Ah, such is the fantasy of TV-land.
In real life it appears that our kids are not so lucky. Tweens and teens are hurting inside. When they attempt to express their pain they can be labeled as “the drama queen/king” or “Emo”. This drives the message into their thoughts that people don’t care, or they are not worth the bother or “again?” This internalized pain with isolation and rejection can result in them becoming suicidal.
Here is a quick checklist for you/someone you know that might be at risk for suicide.
1. They verbalize that they don’t want to live.
2. They withdraw from friends and family.
3. Eating or sleeping patterns change.
4. They are experiencing relationship troubles more than usual.
5. They don’t seem to care about their belongings and may even give them away.
6. After a lot of turmoil there seems to be a sense of calm – almost peace – with them. This could mean they are at peace with the decision to “off themselves”.
Get help now! Today! Take your friend, teen, tween or child to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about suicide go to your school counselor, teacher, or principal. Tell your parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, neighbor or pastor. We want you alive! We want to support you in your life journey. We want to help you navigate through the pain to be happy and proud of yourself.
Teens and even children are expressing tendencies of stress and lifestyle disorders because of a lack of emotional support in their environment. Recognising despondency definitely helps save lives