It gets better!

Recently, we have lost quite a few individuals to suicide as a result of bullying and harassment. This has brought to light what has been a big problem for many years; bullying. Teasing and taunting crush a person’s self-esteem and reinforce self-doubt.  The recent deaths of several teenagers are indicative of the negative association of being gay.  These kids were merely being human and exploring their own feelings; they were shamed and taunted for it, and ultimately they took their own lives.  This is completely unacceptable. We have lost far too many people at their own hands, and need to prevent this senseless act. These suicides are united by the common thread that the teenagers were gay or were perceived to be gay, but it isn’t just the LGBT kids who are being bullied. There are kids who are teased because they are overweight, because their families don’t have the money that others do, because they are a different ethnicity, or have a different accent.  There are a whole host of reasons why people get bullied and harassed; to those who do the teasing it seems funny, but it isn’t. We can’t afford to keep losing innocent lives to suicide. If you are being harassed, tell someone who you trust.  If your friends are being picked on, do something…stand up for them; doing nothing is almost as bad as doing the teasing yourself. If you are being teased for being gay, whether you are or not, and you are thinking of suicide… talk to somebody; a friend, a parent, a principal, or call the Trevor Project lifeline at 866-4-U Trevor (866-488-7386) there are always people who care.  If you are considering suicide for any other reason, call 800-273-Talk (800-273-8255).  These hotlines are anonymous and free.  Please don’t let the negativity get you down. I remember what it was like to be picked on and teased; it is a constant nightmare.  But hang in there. The world needs you. It gets better!