Don't do it - A father's plea.

If you think suicide is the answer to your pain, it's not. Many people will tell you that "It gets better", and I know that sounds like a meaningless phrase, but it's true. It does get better. The world will change for you, and the bullies will end up being the losers, if you give it time. If you hurt yourself, you'll only let the bullies win, and those who love you will lose. They'll lose you and all you have to offer them and the world.

There are ways to make things better right now, all it takes is a change of perspective. Think about this - many of the adults you know were bullied, but they came through it. You can too. I know it's hard to imagine your "old" parents or your English teacher as kids, but we all were, once upon a time. The kind of things that scare you now are nothing new, every generation has felt them, even in the stone age, when TVs had thirteen channels and most homes had a single phone. Things may have changed, but not that much.

Here's the thing to remember - the bullies are wrong. Absolutely, completely wrong in every way. No matter what they say, they are wrong! The rest of us know that, we know you're a good person worth knowing. Maybe not all of us are brave enough to speak out in a crowd, or online, or maybe we aren't sure how to help, but we know the bullies are wrong. So you see, there are many more people on your side than any damn bully's.

The fears you have are not stupid, and they don't define who you are! Lots of other people have had fears they thought were overwhelming, it happens in life. That means that you are never alone, no matter how much it might feel like that sometimes. People really want to hear from you. They want to help fix whats wrong, so you can enjoy life again. They won't judge you, because they once felt scared too, and they remember what it was like for them.

Here's a short list of just some of the people who will listen to you, please call them if you need help! Don't be afraid to ask for a hand up, we've all been there. We're on your side!

Kids Help Phone Canada 1 800 668 6868
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline USA 1 800 273 TALK
HOPELine UK 0800 068 41 41
ChildLine UK 0800 1111
Samaritans UK/ROI Call them right now if you need to talk. 
Kids Help Line AUS 1 800 55 1800
LifeLine NZ 0800 543 354
World Wide Suicide Hotlines  Anywhere, any time.
Befrienders Worldwide  We listen to people who are in distress.
Anxiety Panic Support
Canada - Suicide and Crisis Hotlines
UMatter You Can Get Help Youth suicide prevention 1.800.273.8255

As a dad, I can't even describe to you how much I wish someone ... me ... anyone ... had told my boy this message one dark day six years ago today. Make the call, or just talk to someone - a parent, or anyone else who will listen. All it takes is one tiny step in that right direction, and the bullies will lose, instead of us losing you. You're worth it.