I lost a friend, and it didn’t have to happen. I was informed by school administrators that he passed away, but I had already expressed my concerns to the counselor about his struggles with suicidal thoughts and mental health issues. They assured me they would look into it, but nothing changed, and now he’s gone. I feel so helpless; no one seemed to care, especially since he wasn’t well-known or surrounded by friends.
It’s hard to move on when I’m filled with anger and frustration over what could have been if they had taken my concerns seriously. He was just 14, and it’s heartbreaking to think that so many other students are suffering in silence, becoming just another statistic in the yearbook. I’ve considered taking this further, perhaps even involving the media, but I know those feelings stem from my grief and anger. All I can think about is the loss and the need for change within the school system. It shouldn’t be this way.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. It’s completely understandable to feel angry and hurt, especially when you feel like you tried to help and were not heard. The loss of a friend, especially in circumstances that could have been addressed, can be incredibly painful and frustrating. It’s important to allow yourself to feel those emotions—anger, sadness, confusion—because they are all part of the grieving process.
You’re not alone in having those concerns; many people have experienced similar feelings when it comes to mental health issues and the response (or lack thereof) from schools and other institutions. It’s really brave of you to speak up and share this experience; raising awareness about these issues can help ensure that other students receive the support they need in time.
If you feel comfortable, consider talking to someone about how you’re feeling—whether it’s a trusted adult, a counselor, or another mental health professional. They might help you process your emotions and discuss any actions you might want to take moving forward. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself during this difficult time.