It may surprise you that suicide rates do not spike in the darkness of Winter, but in the brightening of Spring. There's a very unique kind of tragedy about holding on, holding on through the darkest and deadest time of the year, just to blow your brains out when the flowers are waking up and the birds are chirping. No one considers that, on a nice peaceful stroll the through cherry blossoms and tulips, you may be walking along someone desperately sinking, trying their best to claw their way out and heal in that good spring air- to no avail. They won't make it. I feel the ghosts in the spring blooms, still trying to grow up, be bright and beautiful, happy things playing in the sun. Unable to escape the clutter in their minds.
If you or someone you know is struggling and you're scared you may hurt yourself, please reach out. The deadliest way to handle it is to not handle it at all. If you have no one, you can call here and talk to someone:
YouthLine: Text teen2teen to 839863, or call 1-877-968-8491
YouthLine provides a safe space for children and adults ages 11 to 21, to talk through any issues they may be facing, including eating disorders, relationship or family concerns, bullying, sexual identity, depression, self-harm, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
LGBTQIA+ kids and teens can reach out to The Trevor Project for support during a crisis, if they are feeling suicidal or need a safe space to talk about any issue. You can also chat via their website or by texting START to 678678.
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
The Trans Lifeline provides support specifically for transgender and questioning callers, run trans people. They provide support during a crisis and can also offer guidance to anyone who is questioning their gender and needs support.
The hotline is available between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. PST (9 a.m. to 3 a.m. CST or 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST). But operators are often available during off-hours, so no matter when you need to call, you should.
