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Are you or a friend coping with a family conflict like separated, divorced, drug addicted, abused or abusive parents? family
Are you or a friend coping with a problem friendship, boyfriend, girlfriend, authority figure, cult or gang? relationships
Are you or a friend coping with poor self-esteem, stress, anxiety, loneliness, grief, anger or depression? feelings
Are you or a friend coping with depression or thoughts of suicide? suicide
Are you or a friend coping with a lack of basic needs like food, clothing, housing, employment, or trouble at school? basic needs
Are you or a friend coping with prejudice, neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, survival sex, prostitution, domestic violence or crime? abuse
Are you or a friend coping with a physical disability, sexually transmitted disease (STD), HIV/AIDS, self-harm, a psychiatric or eating disorder? health
Are you or a friend coping with questions about sexuality, sexual hygiene, a pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease (STD) or HIV/AIDS? sex
Are you or a friend coping with tobacco, alcohol, street drugs or prescription drugs? drugs & alcohol
Are you or a friend coping with thoughts of leaving home, running away or are you already homeless? running away

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Is it my fault?

People feel anxious, depressed or suicidal for many different reasons. Many young people blame themselves for all kinds of problems or conflicts they have with family, friends, or even in school.

They start to believe that their families and/or the world would be much better off without them. It's much more helpful to figure out why you feel this way and find help rather than blaming yourself or someone else.

Warning signs include:

  • Feelings of anxiety, loneliness, grief, anger or depression
  • Thoughts of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife
  • Impulsive and aggressive behavior; frequent expressions of rage
  • Previous exposure to someone else that committed suicide
  • Family loss, instability or a significant family conflict
  • Recent stress (e.g., difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation; unplanned pregnancy or other significant real or impending loss)
  • Reliance on drugs or alcohol

If this describes you or a friend, remember you are not alone, talk to someone: -- a relative, sibling, your other parent, a friend, a counselor or therapist, a priest, minister, rabbi or spiritual advisor about what you are feeling. Remember, you are not alone and can get help with this.