March 31 - Sierra says...
"I just got out of the hospital for attempted suicide.
All my life I acted like nothing bothered me, I am to busy making sure
very one else was happy and I forgot that I also need to be happy. Now
I am medicine to help me with my depression! Well, I better go now, thank
again for everything!"
March 30, 2000 - Gina says...
"Hi just wanted to say your web page has helped my
deal with a suicide of a friend, he was 42 yrs old and had the world so
i thought... he was my sons father, and i feel like i was to blame for
his death because he didn't want to see his son, and pay support , and
this is the price my son pays for not having contact with him, i have so
many emotions about this and i haven't had contact with him in 4 yrs my
son is 4, and doesn't know about his dads death, i don't know what to say
to him when he asks? any ideas how to tell a child his father died with
a shotgun to his head, im feeling like i failed him, i failed his father,
how could such pain go unnoticed around his friends his other kids his
coworkers, was their something i could've done? i am grieving like i just
spent time with him (which i haven't), how long does the pain last? and
why am i feeling such a loss when he didn't want me when i was pregnant?
and his only son? pleas if ya have any thoughts on this contact me
....and im so! sorry about your loss he was a beautiful child."
March 29, 2000 - Daisy says...
"Hi mom well I read the web page I thank you for writing
a web page like that one because I think it will many people that are thinking
about committing suicide. My name is Daisy (14) and I'm a suicide survivor.
I tried to commit suicide on September 29, 1998 (the same day as Jared)
by over dosing on Tylenol. ...and I got in a fight and that's how
I solved the problem. I thought that my mother would understand me but
she didn't, to this day she makes fun of me for it. I found a wonderful
boyfriend that has got me help. I just wanted to tell you that your a wonderful
person for talking so openly about your experience. Thanks for caring."
March 29 & 30, 2000 - Tara
says...
"I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS A SON FROM ANOTHER MARRIAGE.
THIS BOY IS 14 AND HE THREATENED SUICIDE LAST YEAR. THERE WAS NOTHING
DONE EXCEPT HE WAS TAKEN TO A COUNSELOR MAYBE ONCE OR TWICE. IN THE PAST
FEW WEEKS HE HAS RE WRITTEN A SUICIDE NOTE THAT HE FOUND ON THE NET. BY
THE WAY HE LIVES WITH HIS MOTHER. THE FATHER IS FIGHTING FOR CUSTODY NOW.
THE MOTHER AND FATHER BOTH TOOK HIM TO A COUNSELOR AN IGNORANT ONE HE SAID
THE CHILD WAS NOT DEPRESSED. GO FIGURE. HE CONTINUES TO SHOW
SIGNS OF DEPRESSION HE WRITES DEPRESSING POEMS ABOUT HIS LIFE. HE ALSO
MAKES THE STATEMENTS THAT HE DOES NOT BELONG ANYWHERE. ...I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE JUST IGNORING
THE SITUATION, AND THE FATHER IS IN DENIAL BECAUSE HE FEELS HE WILL BE EMBARRASSED IF
HE ADMITS HIS SON IS DEPRESSED. THEY ARE TAKING THE COUNSELORS WORD
THAT THE CHILD IS NOT DEPRESSED. THE MOTHER OF THE CHILD MADE THE
STATEMENT THAT MY CHILD WILL NEVER KILL HIMSELF. I BELIEVE THIS CHILD
IS CRYING OUT FOR HELP AND NO ONE IS LISTENING . I WAS WONDERING WHAT IS
MY OBLIGATION IN THIS SITUATION AND HOW SHOULD I APPROACH IT.
PLEASE RESPOND
(I did)
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING
TO MY EMAIL SO QUICKLY. I SPOKE TO THE BOYS FATHER THIS EVENING AND IT
WENT REALLY WELL. I ALSO GAVE HIM THE LETTER THAT YOU WROTE TO ME.
I DON'T KNOW IF I HELPED BUT AT LEAST HE GOT TO HEAR IT FROM SOMEBODY ELSE
INSTEAD OF HIS WIFE. I THINK SOMETIMES PEOPLE ON THE OUTSIDE CAN
SEE WHAT WE ON THE INSIDE CAN'T . ...I AM A NURSING STUDENT AND I
TAKE GREAT INTEREST IN HELPING SUICIDAL TEENS OR CHILDREN. I BELIEVE
THAT OUR CHILDREN NEED TO BE HEARD INSTEAD OF BEING IGNORED LIKE MOST PARENTS
TODAY ARE DOING. SOME
PARENTS THINK IF THEY BUY THERE KID THE MOST EXPENSIVE GIFT THAT THE CHILD
WILL BE HAPPY FOREVER. I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT MATERIALISTIC
THINGS DO NOT MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY FOREVER. CHILDREN NEED LOVE AND
DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE. I WAS ONCE DEPRESSED AS A TEENAGER, SUICIDAL,
AND BULIMIC. MY MOTHER NEVER LISTENED TO ME ALL SHE KNEW HOW TO DO WAS
GET ANGRY AND TELL ME THAT I WAS JUST DOING THESE THINGS FOR ATTENTION.
SHE WAS RIGHT I DID WANT HER ATTENTION. I SOMEHOW TOOK IT UPON MYSELF
TO GET MYSELF HELP BECAUSE DEEP DOWN I KNEW THAT I DID NOT WANT TO DIE
NOR DID GOD WANT ME TO DIE. HE HAS PLANS FOR ME ON THIS EARTH AND
I BELIEVE I AM STARTING TO SEE WHAT THOSE PLANS ARE. IT IS TO HELP
OTHERS WHEN NO ONE ELSE WILL. THANK YOU AGAIN AND I THINK HAVING
THIS WEB SITE IS A WONDERFUL EYE OPENER. I KNOW IT HAD AN AFFECT
ON THE FATHER OF THIS BOY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOREVER
AND EVER."
March 28, 2000 - MCha says...
"I happened upon your site tonight.. not sure why.
My husband committed suicide 2 yrs ago.. and while it's been hell for me...
i too have considered following in his example. Tonight.. as I read.. I'm
not sure why i respond.. perhaps.. just to have someone there.. to know..
that i know... what it's like to lose someone to suicide... yet.. while
you have lost a son.. you still have a husband.. a partner.. and
i have none... jealousy.. perhaps.. pain - definitely.. despair -absolutely!
not sure what it is that i will do.. i know that i must go on.. but.. your
site gave me hope..."
March 28, 2000 - Teenager says...
"I myself , a teenager, knows what it is like
to be depressed and have thoughts about suicide. There have been
times when life had gotten me down and I couldn't take all the pressure
,
pain and bad things that were happening in my life. I found only one way
to solve my problem: I started cutting myself. I have been trying to stop
myself with the help of two of my friends- but at the same time thinking
about killing myself during the weekend. I happened to go online to do
some research and to figure out why I was feeling this way to see
if it was a good idea to take my own life. While surfing, I came to this
particular web-site and read everything to make up my mind.
You have helped me a lot. You have helped me realize that there are people
who love me and who don't want to see me hurt. And you have saved a life.
There is a saying that if you save the life- then you have saved the world.
And that's exactly what you did. I want to thank you for helping me see
who I really am and to think about everything. I am so glad that I caught
hold of this site . If I didn't - I would not be around anymore.
So, I thank you sooo much again! Troubled Teen"
March 27, 2000 - Mandi says...
"...i am doing a report for english and came across
this site. I think it was really sweet to make a web page for Jared. I
don't know about your son but he sounds like he had a great life. I am
sure that my friends and family would not of done this for me. I am truly
sorry about your son. Sealed with lots of love."
March 27, 2000 - Wylie says...
"hello, I have just read you web page and wanted to
say thank you. My 67 year old mother just survived her 4th suicide
attempt in the last 6 years (dad died 7 yrs ago) in a time of complete
confusion and a touch of anger and many other emotions, reading this page
really got me focused and for that I am GRATEFUL Thanks again!"
March 27, 2000 - Brenda says...
Thank you for www.JaredStory. I feel the need to write
an email to you (which I have never done before as I have searched the
net). My 7th grade son is giving a speech in his health class and the topic he chose was suicide. At
first my husband and I were alarmed, then we asked him why he chose the
topic. He said so he could write a paper on Kurt Cobain, the rock
musician who committed suicide. My son tries to connect any schoolwork
he can to his interest in music. After several talks, he decided
to narrow his speech down to the topic of helping others to be aware of
suicide warnings signs, then how to help. I think for a 7th grader
this should be good information. Now for how I found you. For gathering
information for this papers he usually goes to the library or gets info
off the internet. Well, normally I do not help with the homework
other than to have resources available. I let both of my sons do
there own thing but since the topic was suicide I was skeptical about letting
him search the net. So that is why I was searching under the
teen suicide topic. Sure enough the first match was something like
teen suicide.. Do It Now. I was so thankful that I decided to search myself.
Then, I continued on. The first information I printed was Public
information from the American Psych org., then I saw www.jaredstory as
a possible match... here is why I checked it out... my son, who is doing
the speech is named Jared also. I am sitting here numb as I read
about your son. I love the pictures, the stories, and the loving
way you have shared them with others. Now for the second part that
left me numb.. my name is also Brenda, I kid you not. Now you know why
I needed to write to you, other than to just say thanks. I am thankful
you shared information that will be helpful to others, I am sure it must
be difficult at times to be so open, but believe me, you are touching the
lives of others in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you."
March 25 & 26 - Bob says...
"I want to thank you for your article in "Surviving
Suicide" (Ten suggestions for dealing
with grief) which led me to your wonderful web page. Our son
Jeremy died by suicide on Feb. 18, 2000 at the age of 38 years. Besides
Jean and me his parents, and John and Lisa his siblings, he leaves his
wife Theresa and 22 month old daughter Paige. We attended the first
meeting of a support group for survivors of suicide last week and received
a copy of the newsletter with your article. It was so helpful (though
painful) to share with others who have experienced such a devastating loss.
We are so thankful for our faith and the loving support of our pastor and
parish family at St. Matthew's Anglican Church. Without them I do
not know how we would have survived these past five weeks.
Since I retired from the faculty of the School of Social Work at the University
of Windsor I have maintained web pages for my church and our faculty retirees'
association as well as administering e-mail discussion groups for Canadian
Anglicans and university retirees (URLs are in my sig below). The first
suggestion in your article inspired me to create a web page that would both be a
memorial for Jeremy and another web resource for survivors of the suicide of a
loved one. ...Though Jeremy was much older than Jared (two such
beautiful names that begin with J) he was still our beloved first child.
Our grief is still very painful but I know with God's help and the love
of our parish family and friends we will survive. Thank you so much,
for your article and your web page. God's peace. Windsor, Ontario,
Canada
And Later... Brenda, thank you for your kind
and prompt reply. Today was the first I have been able to attend
church without crying, though my wife Jean shed some tears. I think
I was helped because I was cantor (last week I asked our choir director
to get back at that ministry again and he lost no time assigning me!)
Still, the tears came later at coffee hour among all of our caring friends.
I don't yet trust my emotions so I'm choosing very carefully what activities
I get re-involved in and when. I've just added Jean's reflections that
she made at Jeremy's funeral (to the web site above). She had only
rough notes so finally put them together in narrative form for me.
...I don't know how people who are not blessed with a faith and a faith
community do manage. We now know the meaning of being "lifted up
in prayer" The feeling has almost been a physical one." (I'm
so glad to hear that you have a strong faith in The Lord. I have
found that people who have faith in life after life are able to go through
the grieving process better. I wish you well on your journey of healing.)
March 25, 2000 - Susie says...
"I know that you probably get a ton of e-mails from
kids asking for help so you probably aren't even ever going to read this,
but I'd try anyway. I've never taken a test to see if I have depression,
but I am constantly depressed and I'm always scared. I've had thoughts
about suicide a lot, but I've never done it because I'm scared of death.
I know this is probably a common thing that kids write to you, but if you
can give me any help at all I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm 15, and in the
last year we moved to NYC from Nebraska because my dad was starting this
new business and it wasn't working out in Nebraska. Anywayz, the business
isn't going well and it's causing this big tension in our family (and we're
losing all our money). My brothers are all getting pretty messed up (they're
constantly fighting and other bad things have happened associated with
them) and my dad is constantly working and without any sleep he's not that
pleasant to be around. I'm a worrywart so I'm constantly worried that something
terrible is going to happen. Well, I'm really scared, lonely, and depressed,
etc.,. I'm sure you've heard this kind of thing b4, but I thought I'd write
to you anyway. I might as well try to get help even if I can't at least
I tried. Well, thanks! Bye!" (You
are important Susie!!!)
March 24 & 26, 2000 - Karen
says...
"A friend of ours son committed suicide, and it was
from them that I found your site. I am truly truly sorry for your
loss. I am a mom with 4 children (born 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991), and
I cannot even begin to imagine a mother's pain, at losing a child. God
bless you for doing something positive from this horrific tragedy -- It
is a tribute to your son and the depth of your love for him that shines
through in your wish to help others. Thank you for sharing him. I
will keep you in my prayers. (...I hope there
are more hugs and kisses given to loved ones because of a visit to JaredStory.com.
We never know when a precious life might be taken in some way. Living and
loving is a gift!)
And Later... It's funny that you said this
because I didn't mention this in my email, but that is EXACTLY the effect
your tragedy and my friend's tragedy has had on my life -- even down to
small things like telling them that I love them each time we part! God
Bless."
March 22, 2000 - Anonymous says...
"Thank you soooooo much for your
reply. I "hear" you and I know that (obviously) you are a caring person,
...I have never abused drugs or alcohol, I feel like the junkie who believes
that he can quit if he/she wants too, like wise I have been telling myself
for years that if I hang in there things will get better ...they never
do. I'm sorry about your son, I really am! He didn't do it to hurt
you, he probably just wanted the pain to end. ...I'm surprised that
there is such a compassionate person out there, as to reply emails so late/early.
...Thank you so much."
March 20, &
21, 2000 - Tracy says
"I am from 16 years old and from Connecticut.
How are you? I am really sorry about your son. I was reading
about suicide because it is 12:00 p.m. and I just got home from my friend's
house, I ran over there because she was talking about killing herself.
i was so scared. I told her mom, I know it was the right thing to
do, but her mom just yelled at her. I am so scared I don't know what
to do. Her mom was yelling at me saying I should have told her what
was going on but I told her everything I knew and I feel like if my friend
gets hurt it will be my fault cuz she didn't want her mom to know.
I was wondering if you could write back to me sometime and give me some
advice. It's okay if you don't have time, I just don't know what
to do."
And Later... "Thank you for
the advice, I'm still awake, I was so happy when I heard that I got mail and saw
it was from u, I didn't know u were going to write back, since I've written to
you I talked to my friend's brother he said that my friend is sleeping with her
mom tonight and I'm going to find out what happens, ...I just don't want her
getting mad at me. But if she hurts herself I don't know how I could live
with it. I'm really sorry if I am bothering you I just don't know what to
do and I have no one I want to talk to. I know I'm only 16, and this might
sound really stupid, but I am so proud of you, teaching a lot of people about
suicide, I bet he was a really sweet boy, I read all about him and saw all his
pictures and the video. I am so sorry, he has a great mother. Thank
you very much for the advice. I'm going to try and sleep now."
March 20, (&
April 4) 2000 - Shelby says...
"I am almost 14 years old. I live in Sioux City, Ia.
I recently got an assignment where we have to pick a topic and find examples
of it. I chose to do my paper on the effects of Teen Suicide. I was reading
through some victims of this terrible thing, and I came across your web
site. It truly touched my heart. Jared seems like he was a wonderful son.
About a year ago, I was on the verge of suicide. It was the day after my
father moved out. My parents had recently got a divorce. I began to believe
it was ALL MY FAULT. I thought I should die. That I was a disgrace to our
family and everyone. I was depressed all the time. My friends became worried,
but I insisted that everything was "ok", when really I needed their help,
I was just too self involved to realize it. So the day came when I was
home by myself, my mom working one of her 3 jobs, and my dad was at his
new house. I was ready to end my life. I went downstairs to my kitchen
...on my counter was a huge meat knife ...and an *NSYNC CD. I stood there
for almost an hour just thinking and crying. I kept saying "which one of
these do I want going through my head?" I didn't know what choice to make
...so I just continued standing there ...thinking about what would happen
if I was gone... and finally realized that nothing is bad enough to result
in death. I picked up that *NSYNC CD and listened to number 5 "God
Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You" and realized that God spent
a little bit more time on me, because He made me realized the gift
of life. I am such a huge *NSYNC fan now. Everything I own
has to do with them in some way. They saved my life. I believe that I owe
them something for that. But they will probably never even know me. My
biggest goal in life is to meet them. I doubt that it will ever happen,
but if I try hard enough, and work on my goal ...maybe I will succeed.
Anything can happen. They're third album "No Strings Attached" comes out
on Tuesday, and it's made me think about my life. About how much they have
given me. So the reason I'm writing this is because I realize that
you have been through this very same thing. When I first read that Jared
died from suicide because of depression, I began to cry. What if I made
that same choice. Your site has made it clear to me about the effects of
suicide. After suicide you have NOTHING. Thank you so very much for
that. You are honestly a gift from God. I believe in Him and I'm sure you
do too. I also believe that Jared is in Heaven thinking about you daily.
Continue with your gift and I will be reading the web site more frequently
to learn more about Jared. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN. Your an angel."
And Later... "I
handed in the report, three days later my teacher came to me and said that
no one else's report touched him. I was so proud. It included your story,
which is now a part in my heart. My teacher told me that he was going to
give me 30 points extra credit. Thanks to you I finally got the A I've
been waiting for the whole year. ...We brought home our report cards yesterday.
It was the first time in so long that I was this proud of myself, my accomplishments,
and you helped me get that A. I keep thinking back to my decision of life
...not death and each day become greater and greater, because I'm beginning
to love people I've never loved before. It's an incredible feeling to know
that I chose the right thing. Ever since the day I went to JaredStory.com
I have prayed each night for you ...and for Jared in Heaven. It's so crazy
that, you, someone I really don't even know has helped me so much. I am
truly thankful for you. I now own 17 *NSYNC cds. On the new one that
just came out on the 21st of March has a song called "I Thought She Knew"
I feel like God is saying I thought she knew to me about the dangers of
suicide, and I believe that he had more love for me now that I made the
right choice. My birthday is on the 26th of April and my dad gave
me one of my presents already ...a trip to see *NSYNC in concert. I was
so thrilled. I've seen them in concert once before, but I don't know why,
but this time seems like it will mean more to me. ...Thank you for
everything you have given me!!
March 18, 2000 - Heather says...
"I'm not sure exactly where to start. My bother
committed suicide on Feb. 2, 2000. He was 36, and one of my best
friends. I have been desperately searching since his death for other
stories and ideas of how to start a prevention program in my area.
I came across your web site by chance, (hours of surfing for information
with no luck). Your page really touched my heart. Every time
I think of all the other families who have had to face this situation,
I just want to cry. Cry for my pain and theirs. Thank you for
being the kind of person who did not "sweep it under the rug". Something
good has to come from everything bad. And I believe reaching out
to help others in times like this is the only way good can come from a
suicide. Maybe there is another family who has not had to face suicide
because of your effort. I wish there were more people in the world
like you. Maybe both our loved ones would still be alive if that
was the case. And I guess through all the sadness and despair my
only ray of light will be if I can help others too. I just wanted to say
I think you have done a wonderful job. Thank You. You are helping
to pave the way for those of us that have endured the pain and need to
do something to help the pain of others. Thank you again."
March 16, 2000 - Robin says...
"I would like to thank you for sharing Jared with me
for I have also lost a 16 year old son to suicide. It was the unimaginable
imagined. I am just very fortunate to have a strong faith in God
and a belief in the afterlife. I am so glad to have found the websites
that I have, as they are helping me with my grief. Kraig, my son
was also a very special person. I will say a prayer for Jared when
praying for Kraig. Again thank you for helping me through this most
painful time in my life."
March 16, 2000 - unknown...
"MY BEST FRIENDS LITTLE BROTHER CAME ONLINE EARLIER
TODAY AND TOLD ME WHEN HE WAS AT WORK HE PUT A KNIFE TO HIS WRIST
AND JUST LOOKED AT IT ..AND I TOLD HIM HE NEEDED TO GET HELP AND HE KINDA
BLEW ME OFF ...I WAS DEPRESSED FOR A LONG TIME WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER
AND DIDN'T GET HELP ... I STILL SUFFER WITH IT EVERY NOW AND THEN LIKE
LAST MONTH WAS A REALLY BAD... I LOST A BABY (PREGNANCY) AND
IT REALLY HIT ME LAST MONTH BUT I HAVE GOTTEN HELP FOR MYSELF. ...THE
WEIRD THING ABOUT THIS REALLY NOW IS THAT YOU AND HIS MOM (best friends
little brother) HAVE THE SAME NAME. THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING
SO QUICK AND I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SON. I HAVE BEEN IN
TEARS ALL DAY ABOUT THIS THANK YOU VERY MUCH"
March 14, (&15) 2000 - Nicole
says...
"Hi, my name is Nicole and I wanted to tell you what
a great site you have for Jared. I'm doing a project on teenage suicide
and I was wondering, with your help, if I could read his story in class
on why he committed suicide. If this is too uncomfortable for you to write
his story to me, that's ok. But if you can, it would be of great help to
my classmates and I. ...The reason why I chose to do this report
is because I wanted to find out why I was feeling the way I did and hear
other people and what they had to say."
March 14, 2000 - Dee Dee says...
"My 18 year old son Simeon, the third of four in our
family shot himself last month. ...I miss my son so much I can not even
see the keys. My sister sent me Jared's web page. Jared and Simeon sound
allot alike. Simeon was the life of our family. Forever clowning around,
amusing everyone with his charm and wit. He had so much love for everyone;
still kissed me and my husband goodnight. I guess I have been so busy since
this all happened taking care of everyone ...today I am consumed with grief
and the utmost sadness; I am hugging Simeon's shoes and pants. Anyway,
thank you for the page. It helped. And the ideas.
My family wanted Simeon's name to live on. We have visions of a "Simeon
Foundation" to help teens in crisis. How that is to materialize... I 'm
not sure. But it is a vision."
March 14, 2000 - Kimberly says...
"A close friend of mine killed himself this past Monday.
One of his really close friends is now seeming more and more depressed
and I'm really worried that he might try to kill himself. He claims he's
okay and not to worry him. Also he continuously calls me and tells me he
loves me when I already have a boyfriend. I just told him that I like him
but only as a friend. He then hung up the phone on me. I'm so scared he
might actually do something drastic. Some of the information on this site
is really helping me to find some warning signs and maybe to help someone
else live, unlike my friend Scott. He shut everyone out and wouldn't let
anyone help at all. I wish in some way that I could have helped him. We
have had 3 suicides at my school in the last 3 years. I'm going to start
a club to get teens involved. We would be telling other teens about suicide
and what it does to families, friends, everyone. How it affects everyone!!!
Do you have any information that might help me get started?? (I
referred her to Chris Hanson at Helping Each other And Reassuring Teens)
Thanks for your time!" (Toronto, Ontario Canada)
March 13, 2000 - Tammy says...
"Hi, I lost my husband to suicide just 9 months ago.
He was 28. We were married 8 years and the pain is so unbearable.
I know my MIL and FIL are having hard times also as he was an only child.
Please let me know if there is any way it will get easier. I miss him so
much. I cant understand the depression . He was drinking the night he did
it and I am not sure he meant to."
March 13 & 14, 2000 - (Dr.)
Stan says...
"I'm thoroughly enjoying your website. The wisdom
and wit of it are striking and going to be helpful to many. ...You
DO make a difference. Your energy and commitment to make Jared's
life count for other is commendable and exciting to those who care about
the S.O.S. (Survivors of Suicide) families... You have risen above
tragedy and put your grief to work. That is an example and inspiration
for all of us."
March 12 (&14), 2000 - Meg
says...
"Hi, I read your web page today and I thought
it was very special. He seemed like such a fun outgoing kid. Im really
sorry for your loss. I was wondering did you ever find out why your son
was so depressed? From what I read his childhood seemed a very happy one.
...I've thought of suicide a lot but never been able to actually do it
and it helps me to see stories that I can relate to so that I know Im not
alone." (I referred Meg to the Letter
to the Editor in About
Suicide)
March 11, 2000 - Theresa says...
"I just read your story about your son Jared; and I
am deeply sorry for you ; I also have lost my son David when he was only
twenty one; and your son was so younger than mine; I would like to ask
you how did you get that site on the net; I would love to do that for my
son; If it is too hard for you I will understand; again I am so sorry;
Know that he loves you and is always with you in all that you are." (I
took some classes, & got help from a very nice teenager and
my older son)
March 8, 2000 - Jamie says...
"I just recently lost someone very special to me because
he chose to take his life ...he was 18 and had so many friends. ...I'm
going through so much at times I lose myself... I don't know what I'm doing
where I'm going or even where I'm at.... I don't know how to talk about
it... My mom tells me we need ...to be strong ...I want someone to help
me but no one seems to think I need it... I try to cry to someone, I try
to talk to people and my mom gives me that "suck it up and be strong" look...
but I can't anymore... What do I do.... how can I help myself if no one
sees that I need someone to help me?"
March 7, 2000 - Shellie says...
"Dear Jared's Mom, I am a 9th grade student at Waukegan
High School in Waukegan IL . I am doing a big report for health class on
"suicide," i chose to do this topic because I'm at the age that most of
these teens are doing this, and i wanted to get a chance to learn more
about it. It really hurts me to hear and see all these horrible things
going on in the world, and "suicide" is one of the worst ones for me to
hear about. I know what all these people are going through because I'm
one of them. It's very stressful to be a teen. I know from reading the
article your son was a very good person. And i know a lot of people miss
him. I know u do to. I know just by reading the article on you son it is
a painful thing to deal with, and i am happy u could share it with people.
I feel really bad, and i know u love him, u were a great mom so keep your
head up and keep on sharing your story with people having a hard time....
well to get to the point thank you!!!" (Thank
you, Shellie :))
March 7, 2000 - Laura says...
"HELLO I'M LAURA AND I AM DOING A PROJECT ON SUICIDE
FOR MY ADOLESCENTS IN SOCIETY CLASS AND I WAS ON YOUR PAGE
I JUST WANTED TO SAY I FEEL YOUR PAIN. ...I AM A 15 YEAR OLD NOW
...I COULD NEVER EVEN BEGIN TO THINK OF MY MOTHER BURYING ME BUT I JUST
WANTED TO TELL YOU YOUR IN MY THOUGHTS AND I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT JARED
IS OUT OF PAIN NOW EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T HAVE HIM WITH YOU YOU KNOW HE
STILL LOVES YOU."
March 5 (&11) - Toni says...
"My nephew (like my own child really) died from suicide
on november 22, 1999. I have struggled so with the whole issue, looking
for information and answers to so many questions. i am sorry that you lost
your son also. i will pray for you and all of the other families every
time i pray for my sister who lost her only child. - ...i was surprised
and happy to get your email. i know our lives have been forever changed
by Adam's death. we will go on but it will be in a different kind of way.
i have not put God out of my life. ...At Adams funeral during the
message the pastor said. Adam just could not keep going, he was so depressed
and unhappy. So God said to Adam, 'It's ok Adam, i understand. come home
to me,' that is what i would like to believe."
March 4, 2000 - Bo says...
"dear mom, first of all... im really sorry for this tragedy
of yours. it must be really hard for you and your family. I just
hope you can get through it and just try to move on. Its gonna be
hard, believe me.. i've been through the same thing.. and all you gotta
do is move on.... im only 17 years old.. and thought about committing suicide
myself.. but now.. when i think twice.. i regret even thinking about committing
suicide. Well your article has really influenced me in a major way,
and i can speak for many others who have read this story.. im glad you
want the whole world to know about it.. and to help other family and young
teens about committing suicide. i would really appreciate it if you
would e-mail me back and tell me how your doing. thanks."
March 2 2000 - Judi says...
"Next month will mark the one worst day of my life (April
30th) My son, Rich took his life by jumping off a bridge very
close to my home. His leap to death was 174 feet to the water. ...Since
the bridge connects two states, Washington and Oregon, there were law enforcement
from both states involved. They actually had a difference of opinion
as to what jurisdiction would take charge of the event. ...My son
was born in 1970 and his life ended at a young age of 28. As I sit
here, I have his picture that was his graduation from boot camp from the
US Coast Guard. I have not reached out to anyone with my loss.
People around me think that I am doin "just fine," but reality is, I am
not doing just fine. I miss him so very much, even though I know
that he is finally at peace with his mental illness, that a collective
group of family and friends did not recognize. His body was not found until
7 weeks after he went into the river. ...I have read the book that
Kay Jamison wrote called Understanding Suicide and it has given
me some insight as to what may have been wrong in my Son's life.
Thanks for listening to me. (March 21,
2000 cont.) ...Today, I made a memorial contribution to the Washington
State Police to have a video camera installed in the Trooper's vehicle.
The Trooper made every effort to talk Rich from jumping from the bridge,
and was very compassionate and caring when he came to my home with personal
affects that were taken from Rich's car. Hopefully with what I have
done will save the lives of our law enforcement people and innocent citizens
that need the help of the great men and women that are out to protect us.
There will be a plaque in my son's honor in the troopers car." (You
did a wonderful grief project in your son's honor, I know they will appreciate
it)
March 2, 2000 - Sabrina says...
"Thank you so much! that was very helpful!
Your info has furthered my search. Thanks again"
March 2, 2000 - Melissa says...
"Hi I was wondering if you could help me. I am trying
to find where I can go in my city (Coral Springs, Florida 33065) or somewhere
to get free counseling. I don't have a job or the money and the support
of my single Mom to go and frankly I don't want her to know I am going
or for her help. I am trying to make a change in myself and my life and
her helping me, well is no help at all. I am at the point where I feel
I am going to explode. ...I get so angry and out of control, I feel like
dying sometimes. And after making so many attempts to kill myself I know
it's not right. I need the help soon. ...If you can help please search
for such a place and if you want nothing to do with me then just write
back and say so. I don't know why I chose to write this to you, but I was
on your website and the words just started to flow out so I just wrote
you. I have to go now but please try to help. (14 yrs. old)"
STORIES
FROM THE PAST
MAR 2001
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2001 - JAN
2001 - NOV 2000-MAR 2001
- DEC
2000 - NOV 2000
- OCT 2000
SEPT
2000 - SEPT-OCT
2000 - AUG 2000
- JULY
2000 - JUNE-AUG
2000 - JUNE
2000 - MAY
2000
APRIL
2000 - MAR
2000 - JAN-FEB
2000 - OCT-DEC
1999 - AUG-SEPT
1999 - JAN-JULY
1999
ARTICLES ON DEPRESSION OR OTHER RELATED TOPICS
Food
Therapy for Depression
What
Depression is and it's causes
Can
Harassment, Bullies, and Assaults in school cause
Depression? PARENTS BEWARE!!!
Kasey's
Mom talks about Depression
Solutions for Sugar Sensitivity - Can eating a Potato help depression?
Seizure-Stopping
Device may help Depression
Bullying 
depression
