Why Am I Suicidal And Feeling So Bad?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

Hello.  I'm 14 years old and I have been thinking a lot about how much I want to kill myself.  I know that kind of thinking isn't normal but at the same time I can't seem to think of any thing else.  Also when I am in front of even four people or more I seem to get very nervous about little things.  Like in school when my teachers are calling role and I have to say "here" I feel sick, my heart starts to race and I get dizzy.  Why do I feel like this?  Is there any thing that can help me?

ANSWER:

Suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously.  They are a sign that you're in more emotional pain than you can handle.  If you get to the point where you don't feel there's any hope that the pain will stop, you are at a high risk of suicide.  There is a suicide attempt per minute in the US.

Depression is the most obvious cause, but other diagnoses may also be present.  The BPD and some anxiety disorders may be present.  My screening test may be of some help to you.

I highly encourage you to get help ASAP!  Things are not as bleak as they seem, your brain is not working properly and is confusing your thinking.  An interesting picture of a depressed versus a non-depressed brain can be found at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/hotsci/scandep.htm.  This picture can give you proof of how the brain is functioning poorly while depressed.  Get treated and re-evaluate how you feel when you are no longer depressed.