🚀 go-pugleaf

For the second time in 6 months one of my teen's friends has talked about
suicide.  While my teen seems to have handled the last one very well, this time
around it really upset her.  She even went to the school counseler to discuss
it.  She was not alone....several other friends went as well.  These girls are
only 14 and have so much going for them.  Good grades, lots of friends, nice
parents.  I have been thinking this little "epidemic" of chatter about suicide
is not really a cry for help, but more a way to get a little attention?  I hate
to even say that, because I know these girls and they are not the type of
personalities to crave that kind of negative attention, but neither of the
girls followed through, or even came close to trying.  They were just talking
about it.  Saying things like "I just wish I could kill myself" or "I have been
thinking about suicide".  I remember being a teen and statements like that used
to get tossed around at lunch....but now with the prevention talks they have in
health class and counseling, those terms are not tossed around like they used
to be.  My daughter is being a good friend, as usual, and holding her friend's
hand while she struggles with these feelings.  I am so glad my girls feel
comfortable telling me EVERYTHING, but sometimes I wish it was something they
didn't need to share.  I have been in my daughter's shoes, trying to get my
friend out of a funk, and the weight it puts on your shoulders is almost too
much to bear.  Thankfully, my daughter is not the only one helping this
girl...her pastor at church, her counseler, several friends and now her parents
are involved.  I have talked a lot to my oldest about life and how unfair it
can seem at times.  We have talked about girls and the horrible way they treat
each other at this age.  She is mentally prepared when these situations pop up,
but it still makes her say "why??????"
Ok, done venting. =)