Question: “2 days ago one of my friends died and some months ago another one committed suicide. I am very shocked by this. We are just kids 17 year olds and honestly I had never witnessed something like this. People my age dying or i just never imagined for us to not be able to grow up. I’m honestly so shocked and scared I never felt like this before. The thought that this could happen to anyone at anytime scares me. I can’t even meditate properly lately. I am so lost and sad. I don’t know what to do.”
The rate of teen suicides within the last decade or two is shocking and absolutely heartbreaking. Even within the last few years we’ve seen and heard of teens who were LGBTQ committing suicide because of bullying, non-acceptance, and fear.
I just watched Believer, the HBO documentary with Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons about the Mormon Church and LGBTQ. It saddened me to see how many people who were such firm believers in their religion and wanted nothing more to be part of their community but couldn’t because of their “sinful lifestyle.” Many of these people ended their lives because they thought there was nothing else to do. And so many others who weren’t even LGBTQ also ended their lives because of their religion.
It’s absolutely sad and heartbreaking. I get emotional and can feel the pain of the family and friends whenever I see or hear them speak of their loved one. I think a lot of people, especially young people, haven’t had the chance to really explore the world or see much outside of their own environment and society, and so they think there’s nothing else out there and believe that death is the only option.
It is our right as human beings to be free and live life with freedom, happiness, and love. It is our duty as human beings to help others see and feel that. It is our destiny to be happy and in love.
We might not be able to change people’s minds about their habitual thinking and feelings, but we can certainly help show the world that love is the strongest weapon mankind has. Whether we are showing support by reposting social media posts, writing blogs, marching in parades, volunteering, or starting organizations, we must be a voice to the voiceless and give hope to those in the darkness.
Meditate on love. Treat everyone with love. If someone wants to fight you, fight back with loving kindness and compassion. People who act with violence and hate expect a response with violence and hate, but if we respond with love and compassion, they might be able to see their error.
Smile and be well!