I Matter, You Matter, We Matter
According to a poll taken on June 2012, 1 in 12 high school students attempt suicide.
(Neal) One of the main reasons is bullying. According to this survey 20% of high-school
students said they have been bullied. The sad thing about that is we have the ability to change
those statistics. It all starts with us.
When I look at the numbers and percentage of teen suicide, it breaks my heart. I can’t
imagine what type of person would bully someone to the point where that person would think the
only way out is to commit suicide. I believe that taking your own life is never the answer. I know
personally from experience. In sixth grade, I thought about committing suicide, but then I found
strength to overcome those thoughts through my relationship with God.
Sixth grade year was a very tough year for me. My life got turned upside down. My
parents were divorced and I had lived with my mother and younger brother in Arlington, Texas.
My parents decided that my brother and I would move to Owasso, Oklahoma and live with my
dad and two older brothers. My first day of school was uncomfortable mainly because I didn’t
know anyone. I figured it would take some time for me to get comfortable and make new friends.
After a month nothing had changed. I was being bullied every day because I didn’t belong. Some
people don’t realize how much words hurt. I would come to school and sit alone in the morning.
When I was in class I could hear people whispering about me. They would say, “He is so weird,
he doesn’t belong here.” I would get pushed into my locker. I had been saved when I was young,
but I felt like God left me. I felt so alone.
The bullying got worse and worse, but I didn’t want to tell anyone. So I kept it secret,
which just made it worse. If you ever find yourself thinking suicide is an option, talk to someone,
and don’t keep it hidden. As things got worse, I made one last attempt to reach out to God for
help. I prayed to God that if he still loved me that he would put someone in my life that would
change my life forever. I didn’t really know what I was asking for, but it felt right. The next day
was a day I will never forget. As I was sitting alone in the cafeteria, a girl walked up and said hi
to me. That’s all it took for me to see that God was still there. She was the answer to my prayer
and I realized God did care and that I was not alone. After that day, things began to turn around
and I began to meet new people and make lifelong friendships. From that day on I knew that no
matter how alone I might feel at times that I was never really alone as long as I had my
relationship with God.
I know not everyone believes in God and has that relationship to turn to, but I want to
share my story of how I chose to save my life. As a Christian, I know that God is always going to
be there with me. When I feel alone, I know that my heavenly Father is right beside me. I would
encourage anyone who is considering suicide to reach out. There are many organizations that are
available to someone who is considering suicide. There are people who are always available 24
hours a day to talk you. You matter even when you feel you don’t. There are organizations such
as local churches, guidance counselors, the Jed Foundation, Survivors of Suicide in Tulsa that are
there to help you.
If you aren’t struggling with suicidal acts, but you know someone who is, make a
difference in their life. If they tell you they are fine, they are lying to you, don’t take “I’m okay”
as an answer. God created us to love everyone. Most of the time, they want someone to love
them or show they care about them. That’s one thing I wanted. I felt like I didn’t belong, so I
wanted someone that would talk to me. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
(Holy Bible) This verse means that we need to be building each other up, not bringing each other
down. I am going to Oklahoma Baptist University to major in Ministry. I am hoping that I can be
a help for teenagers dealing with suicidal thoughts.
Works Cited
"1 in 12 Teens Have Attempted Suicide: Report  ." NY Daily News. Meghan Neal, 09 June 2012. Web.
18 Feb. 2013.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. Holy Bible: New International Version. New York: Harper,
1983.