Stories

Struggling with the Loss of My 14 Year Old Daughter

I Found Strength I Never Knew Existed

My name is Renee. My daughters name is Nevaeh. She died by suicide on December 5th, 2017. It’s been a struggle, that’s for sure. But with this struggle, I’ve found a strength within myself, I never knew existed.

On February 23, 2015, my daughter was hit by a truck on the highway going through our small town. She had a T.B.I (traumatic brain injury) and a broken neck. We spent almost 2 years helping her through her recovery. We struggled for resources. We were not offered the help that is out there by the doctor when we left the hospital and our school did not have the aid she needed for her core classes. They only had someone to help her walk around at gym time.

At this time, she was walking just fine but she was struggling with her core classes. She went from being a very bright girl who never had to try hard at school to this person she did not even know. She started to cut herself, and do risky things like: jumping out of my vehicle, meeting strangers online and inviting them to our house, and smoking weed every chance she got. I took her to the emergency room and they sent us home. The second time I had the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) bring her to the hospital, hoping it would get us listened too. I knew she was going to go through with it and that it was only a matter of time.

On November 12th, the RCMP took her in. They had found her close to the train tracks, where she told us she would take her life. She had over 100 cuts on her body from self-harm and they were not little scratches. She took a razor blade across her skin over and over again. The hospital called me after midnight to come get her. I cried and screamed at the woman and said my child is going to die if you do not keep her! She said if I was done, they could place her with children and family services. I was so angry, how dare she think I’m done. This is my baby my first born.

If One Person’s Life Can Be Saved, Then We Will Be Okay

I was afraid because I knew this was coming close to the end and we did not have a month to wait to have her seen. We were running out of time. I vowed to my daughter the day she died that I would make changes in her honor. I told her if one person’s life can be saved because she died then we will be okay!

I found your website today , and it was exactly what I was looking for. I am working with my family and friends to start a mental health suicide awareness campaign. Here is a rough copy of one of the tools we have been sent from heaven to help us cope. We have each put our own spin on it!

Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Awareness

A paper clip to hold things together while they are falling apart.
A rubber band to represent flexibility.
A coin to show your worth something.
A pencil to make your mark on the world.
A pompom to celebrate your accomplishments.
An eraser, to say that it’s okay to make mistakes.
A lifesaver for a time in need and a candy so you always know life is sweet!

In loving memory of Nevaeh Charette, May 25, 2003 – December 5, 2017

For Crisis Support:

If this is an emergency, please dial 911.
For Suicide prevention please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. Or you can reach the Crisis Text Line 24/7 by texting “START” to 741-741.
Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
For additional help, please visit the suicide prevention resource page.

Schalk’s Story: The Buildup of Emotional Strain

I Only Ever Loved One Woman

The heartbreak broke me completely and so badly that I went and did drugs, something I was against completely. Before she left me and after she left me, I died inside and I tried to take my life a few times after we broke up. Yes I know, you don’t want to hear this sob story but at the end you will receive a message out of all this.

December 1st last year, I worked at a bar as a barman to calm me down and get me off drugs. It worked wonders because I started to think less of the things that brought my life into a downward spiral. On the 15th of that month, I was arrested for drinking and driving. I never spent any time in jail that night because I did cocaine to numb the pain inside of me just before I got pulled over.

A Buildup of Emotional Strain that I’d Been Fighting

After that, on the 25th of December on Christmas, I was sitting home alone finishing bottle after bottle of whiskey and bags of cocaine. I started thinking about everything that had led up to this moment. I was thinking about all the pain, all the memories that contributed to why I was there in that moment. In a rage of depression, grief, and a buildup of emotional strain that I’d been fighting and hiding away, along with my feelings of being a failure and of not being able to be the person people always thought of me.

My Moment at a World’s View

Indecisively, I took a bottle of whiskey and my gun. I got in my car and went up to world’s view, a place where I normally go to clear my mind that over looks the city. The reason I went up there was to finally do it and end my pain, end my suffering and release myself from the darkness. I wanted to stop the constant memories that were eating away at myself. I sat there until 2am, when I finally built up enough courage and drank enough whiskey to do it. I took the gun, cocked it and with the barrel in my mouth I had a moment of release, knowing that soon, all the pain would be gone and I pulled the trigger.

I pulled the trigger 3 times after that, then pointed the gun away from me and pulled the trigger again. A shot went off and then, the gun went in my mouth again and nothing happened again when I pulled the trigger. I cried profusely for hours, asking, why am I such a failure? Why must I go and carry on when there is nothing for me? I cried and cried that I couldn’t even think of anything. I walked from where I was sitting towards the end of the wall. I tried one last time, but this time I made sure that the bullet was a live round as I pulled the trigger. I hoped this was going to be my release from this hell I was going through, as I heard the click of the gun, something came over me…a sense, a feeling that I can never explain to this day. I was in a paralysis state standing there.

The Most Beautiful Sunrise I’d Ever Seen

Then not thinking about anything until 6am, the moment the sun broke through the clouds and it shined straight onto my skin, that was the moment I realized, it was the most beautiful sunrise I’d ever seen in my entire 26 year’s. The moment that happened, I promised myself no matter what happens in life, no matter how down I was, or how badly I was hurting, there would be another sunrise, another chance of giving, another chance to showing humanity and another chance to change someone’s life without wanting anything back.

I only wanted to receive the gift we all take for granted, the smallest yet most powerful gift anyone can ever give, a glimmer of hope, a smile. The smiles of those people you passed in the mall or anywhere, that single smile of hope they gave when they look at you. It doesn’t matter what the reasons are behind the smile, someone took time to look at you and acknowledge your existence. It’s that single smile that plays a big role on your own happiness.

The smallest yet most powerful gift anyone can give is a glimmer of hope...a smile. Click To Tweet

Giving People Hope

Hence why now, a year later to be exact, l have been happy when I was meant to be sad. I knew my sadness would not help anyone, not even me cope with life but my constant happiness and joy in finding the smallest things in life does help people. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good or bad thing in my life, I still stay positive. I want to give people hope to carry on, no matter what they are going through. I have not been left alone by certain aspects of my depression and I have not found clearance in my life but I have found a way to use my depression to help others. It doesn’t matter what they are going through, I am always there to reassure them that there is something great in everything. I tell them the truth. I’m honest with them even though sometimes I can’t even tell myself the truth or help myself with my own depression. I just think about the people I am helping and that with every person I help, I saved them from going through the same pain I went through.

I Listen and Believe in Them Without Judging

They don’t ask for help but I can see when someone is feeling down and out and like there is no way out because I myself suffer from the same condition. I know for a fact that after tonight, you won’t wake up thinking the same negative things. Yes, they will still roam around in your mind but then when they do, just remember the small things in life, they are the biggest blessing you will receive. For me, it is seeing those lost and broken souls that are now healed by a simple act of caring and kindness and encouraging words. When someone needs someone to believe in them and listen to them with out judging and I do that and they smile.

I live a life with depression, but I am not afraid of it anymore, I embrace it to help others. Click To Tweet

Even though, I can’t do it for myself, doesn’t mean I must not try and do it for other’s. My motto in life now is something I tell everyone: I don’t judge a person I observe them. And by observation, I can help where I can and bring smiles back into a person’s life. And that is the biggest gift I have received…being able to do things for people. That’s my story of how my near suicide attempt brought me to accept my past and help other’s who are suffering with depression. I hope some where out in this world my story will give hope to someone and save them.

-Schalk

If you or a friend need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world. For additional help, please visit the suicide prevention resource page.

All photo credits: Erik Lucatero

Tania’s Story: Not Believing In Myself

I always felt worthless…not good enough, not smart, nor beautiful. I wanted to do things that I knew weren’t right, but I wanted to do those things to forget…to forget what I was going through at the moment . I felt like everyone around me disliked me. I was so insecure of me, all of me. I thought about doing things but every time I had a thought of those, my daughter’s little smile would appear. Every time I was down crying , she was there to pick her mamma back up. Looking at her motivated me to think better and to do better things not only for me but most importantly for my daughter. I became a Christian and accepted Jesus Christ in my life about 6 months ago…trust me when I say he is real, I love him so very much. I know I’m a strong single mother and will be able to do it on my own without having to depend on anything. I’m no longer insecure about myself because I know that I’m perfect to God. I wake up every morning calling myself beautiful after looking in the mirror while brushing my teeth. God is amazing. And remember: “Believe in yourself, anything is possible!”

Tania

Believe in yourself, anything is possible! - Tania Click To Tweet

If you are feeling alone and are dealing with something that is emotionally painful…let us help you. Chat with a caring, loving HopeCoach!

Photo by Dakota Corbin on Unsplash

Don’t stay in that place of feeling worthless, it’s going to take time to change what you think about yourself but it’s possible. TheHopeLine’s eBook on self-worth gives practical advice about how to increase your self-esteem.

Fragel’s Story: My Dad was Killed in a Home Invasion

This is a story about my dead dad as a poem that he wrote me one night. I was really down one night and missed him a lot. The time we spent together was short, see…when I was only 12 years old, an evil person took my dad away from me. This evil person came into our family home (thank goodness that me and my brother were not at home) and shot my dad three times at point blank range, in the head, then the chest, and then in the stomach for no real reason at all. They did not taken anything (not money, jewelry, or tools). They just killed him to be killing him, I guess. The reason I’m telling you all this is one night, not to long ago, I was sitting around thinking about how much I miss my dad and what my life would have been like with him still around. For some reason I started to write something down, to be honest I really don’t remember writing anything at all but when I got done I looked at what I thought was going to be a bunch of doodles on the paper and to my surprise this is what I had wrote:

To my dearest friend,

l stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

l spoke to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

“It’s me I haven’t left you I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached out to me.

I was with you at the shop today; your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you, that I’m not laying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your keys.

I gently put my hand on you, I smiled and said it’s me.

You looked so very tired, and sink into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me, to be so near you every day.

To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sit there very quietly, and smiled. I think you knew

in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over, I smile and watch you yawning and say,

“goodnight” “God bless.” “I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out then come home to me.

I hope that y ‘all enjoyed reading my dead dad’s poem that he wrote me the other day and if you all are anything like me you are more than likely wiping tears from your eyes too. Thanks for reading and share this…maybe it will help somebody out one day, I know it did for me.

Fragel

If you are dealing with grief, there are ways to cope. Get your free guide to help you understand and cope with the stages of grief:

Madylon’s Story: My Life Has Been an Emotional Roller Coaster

My life from day one has been an emotional roller coaster. I have had many up and downs…mostly downs.

My mom is a drug addict. I had to live with her. I have been yelled at, screamed at, called worthless and almost every other name in the book. I have been beaten, molested, sold, forgotten, left, homeless, starving, dying. I have wanted to kill myself for a long time. After many years, my dad finally thought it was a good idea to get me away from my mom.

I now suffer from extreme depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My dad tonight, yelled at me and I had a freak attack. My dad isn’t nice and neither is my stepmom so we fight often, but tonight it hit me and I wanted to do anything to leave this Earth right now. I wanted to stop being a disappointment, but then I got on this site…TheHopeLine.com. I talked to someone, and told my story and it kind of made me feel better…like that I shouldn’t give up.

Thanks,
Madylon

Don’t give up, there’s hope for a better tomorrow. If you are having struggles in your life and dealing with depression, download TheHopeLine’s free eBook to find help.

What People Are Saying About Dawson McAllister & TheHopeLine®

What is TheHopeLine? Who is Dawson McAllister? We are best defined by the people who we have helped. Here are their stories..with their heartbreak, and their victories expressed. These are some of the amazing thank you’s we’ve received from people who have come to us in their time of need. We are honored and blessed to have been a small part of their lives…giving love, encouragement, advice, guidance, and hope when all else seemed lost.

People Are Saying…

Fighting With My Sister…

“Seven years ago my older sister and I got into a big fight. I didn’t talk to her for a long time. Then about 5 months ago, I was listening to Dawson’s talk show and he helped me. Dawson was talking to someone else about the same situation that my older sister and I had. Well, that helped me because Dawson said to forgive and move forward. And so my sister and I made up. So thank you so much Dawson.” – Sierra

Suicidal…

“My life was saved tonight, thanks to a HopeCoach who selflessly listened to me and helped me find the strength within myself to keep going. I was ready to end my life, had last all hope in any redemption. Without this service I would be gone. Thank you for saving my life, for supporting me when I had nobody else to turn to and for showing me that there is hope for me. This is an amazing service that has the power to move mountains. Thank you.” – Jenna

Feeling alone…

“I was feeling totally and utterly alone tonight, so alone that I didn’t want to be here anymore. I had an online chat with Kelsey and honestly she couldn’t of helped me more! I got that attached, I didn’t want to stop talking!! haha Sometimes, you feel like all life is doom and gloom but you’ve just got to find out what you’re good at and show people what you can do, and do something you love! I’m super happy now and although actions still need to be took to get me back on track, after speaking the Kelsey at TheHopeLine, I already feel one step closer to happiness!” – Emily

I’m 39 now, I will never forget…

“Hello! Yes, it has been a long time since hearing Dawson McAllister but he was placed on my heart. I would tune in when I was in high school. I struggled with bulimia, cutting and lived in an abusive environment. There is hope!! I am free from bulimia and cutting. I have forgiven those who have abused me…and one of them I dearly love! There is hope!!” – Katey

Parent’s Divorce…

“My parents divorced in 2008 and it impacted me a lot. I was really attached to my dad and not having him around has really affected me. I was listening to the radio on a Sunday night and I happened upon Dawson McAllister. I thought it was wonderful and decided that I would try it [TheHopeLine], so I did, and I feel wonderful! Thank you Hope Line!!!!” – Isabell

I used to want to kill myself...

Dawson, thank you…

“Hi, I’m Hannah. I was about 10 when I turned my local radio station on for the night and I heard the show. I heard it once, but I didn’t turn it on again until I was about 13. That was a horrible time in my life, and it honestly only got worse, but with listening to your show and listening to what other people were going through and the advice that was given to other people, you helped me to feel a lot better about myself and who I was becoming. I felt like a bad person before. I still do sometimes, but now I listen to the show every Sunday night and it is a great start to my week. So, thank you.” – Hannah

Child Abuse…

“When I was 3 years old, my parents divorced. Now that I’m getting older I have to pick sides. When I was 12, I chose to live with my mom because my dad threatened me. Now I am 13 and being abused in a way my parents don’t see. They think everything is okay. In the way I see it, it’s hard and it’s a struggle. I have tried to commit suicide once and now a year after, I have decided to get help. I got on here and talked to one of the HopeCoaches. I chatted with Bay, she talked me through everything. She listened to me and even suggested that I call the Childhelp. These people really helped me and is helping me to change my life. Thank you!” – Tia

While I Was in Prison…

“Dawson, I just wanted to tell you that I listened to your radio program while I was in prison. I was 20 years old when I committed my crime. When I listened to the young people’s stories, I heard so much of my own problems that lead me to prison. Your advice was good and I was glad to know you are a believer. I served 19 years in prison. I used that time to get an education and take classes that helped me better my thinking and behavior. Most of all, God got a hold of me and transformed my life. Keep doing what you do, Dawson. Had I heard your program sooner, it might have kept me from making the bad choices I did. I’m 40 years old and starting my life over, its not easy, but I have a whole different attitude and perspective now. Praise God! May you be blessed.” – Sherry Ann

Diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety…

“I was going through a lot. I was going through getting diagnosed with depression and anxiety. It was very rough, I wanted to die. I felt like I had no one that cared about me at all. Then I realized there was people out there who cared and might have no clue who you are. The people on TheHopeLine were people who did not even know about me but they still cared about me and how I felt. Now, I know that if I need someone they are always here for me and I get a different person every time but they still try to understand what is going on.” – Cassady

Helpful and Encouraging…

“I have used TheHopeLine chat. The people I talked to were helpful and encouraged me. God loves me and you too!” – Kimberly

Battling with Depression…

“I was getting really low, and I was starting to think about suicide more and more every day and then I started listening to Dawson. I heard how there were so many other people like me out there and the words of advice that Dawson shared with them, it felt like he was sharing with me. I took what he said to those people to heart and I got some help. My life has gotten so much better! I have a girlfriend now and i have an awesome relationship with my parents. Thanks Dawson for the second Chance at Life! you truly are the grace of God!” – Damion

I was raped...

Hopelessness…

“I am older and perhaps not the intended user for the TheHopeLine. But I brought my sorrows here several times and I was startled by the quick response, patience of the coaches, and generosity of spirit. I would like to encourage all young people, whatever issues that challenge you to reach out to your fellow spiritual beings that share this world with you. You will see, most of all, that you are not alone. And from my age perspective, you can survive almost anything with a brighter future to be yours.” – Tony

I Felt Like I Wanted to Cheat…

“I started my relationship with a girl and it’s not a bad relationship. All of a sudden, I started getting an urge to start kissing random female’s on the street, but then I found TheHopeLine and started chatting with someone. Now, I am back to normal and loving my girl like no tomorrow. We are now happily married and we have decided to explore the world together as a pair while coming back to our small apartment in the UK every once in a while.” – John

Frustrating Relationship…

“I was very frustrated with my relationship. HopeCoaches helped me to calm down and attack the problem instead of each other. After a long conversation, I felt great and was ready to make it work with my girlfriend. I just want to say thanks!” – Cedrick

Depression…

“For the past couple weeks, I was depressed and I did not talk to anyone about it. Then I decided to talk to a HopeCoach at TheHopeLine and they were very helpful. When they helped me out I could feel the depression and anger leaving me and now I feel better than I did before.” – Austin

Bullied…

“I signed up for this thinking it was just going to be a website where you get told advice that you have been given before. But I was wrong. They offered me sites to go on and advice that helps. Now I am more happy and can deal with things a lot better!” – Zack

I Felt Like Ending It…

“I felt very low. Just to say a big thank you to Dawson McAllister on the telephone today as I am in a bad way and he understood and gave me some good resources and guidance that should hopefully help me in the future. Bless TheHopeLine! Hope is Here.” – Unknown

If you have a story to share about how you were helped by Dawson McAllister or TheHopeLine, submit your story here!

Cheating Boyfriend

Tayla Had A Gut Feeling He Was A Cheating Boyfriend

What would you do if you had a cheating boyfriend?
“I found out that there was a high chance my boyfriend was cheating on me but unfortunately didn’t know for sure. So I was stressing out about how to go about this issue as I struggle with anxiety. I spoke to a HopeCoach online who helped immensely. She gave me strategies to help me get through my situation and helped me figure out what steps I wanted to take to confront the issue without losing my mind. I can’t thank TheHopeLine® and my HopeCoach enough for helping me.”
-Tayla

Think there may be cheating going on in your relationship?

Adeline’s Story: “I Wrote a Suicide Note”

Every morning, I would wake up and ask myself, “Will I make it through today without crying?” One day, I got fed up with it all. With my sadness, with being ignored, everything. I wrote a suicide note, prepared to take my life. That’s when everything flashed before my eyes. I should talk to someone, I thought.

I found this website, and was prepared to wait in a long line to speak to someone. As soon as I clicked the, “Chat now!” button, someone spoke to me. For the first time in a few years, someone spoke to me. I told them everything. They told me what I could do to help myself, and they prayed with me. I told them as soon as the chat was done, “Please know that you have saved a life.” I would have taken my own life if it hadn’t been for this. I made a deal with them. If I ever needed to talk, I would come on here, and talk, in exchange for them helping more and more people.

Thank you for the experience that I had. I know that suicide is not a thing to play around with, but from experience, it’s something that can be stopped. Keep helping people!

Adeline

If you or a friend need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. For a list of crisis centers around the world and additional help, please visit the suicide prevention resource page.

Have you gotten close to writing a suicide note? Do you have thoughts that you are not sure if you can make it through one more day? TheHopeLine has a free eBook for you.

Elanor’s Story: Depression, Self-harm, Suicide

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t feeling sad.

I hope I haven’t always been, but ever since I was little I used to think there was always something telling me I was worthless and ugly; I thought my brain was broken. When I grew up my brother was going through a hard time and he took it out on me by hitting me very hard. He would call me fat, ugly, worthless, terrible; it shaped how I still think of myself to this day. Since he was seven years older than me and I was very young it affected me badly.

My mother and father would ignore me when I was angry or upset. I became older and it seemed like the world was crashing down on me. I hated my life so badly but I also hated that I was ungrateful; I knew others were in worst positions than me so I shoved my feelings down. Occasionally I would just lie on my floor, barely able to breathe, so angry and miserable that I would cry for long periods of time, staring in the mirror and hating myself.

I remember when I started to self harm; the way it stung right before it bled made me feel better. It was like I was releasing pain from my body. When my mother found out about it she hit me and screamed. I started to cut myself around my ribs and on my side to hide the marks, I couldn’t stop.

During this time, I made a lot of friends who made me behave badly. I started to become very sexual, thinking that if boys wanted me it meant I was beautiful. I was too young to think like this, but my best friend was doing it, so I decided to. I did things I regret so much that I still stay up thinking about them. I worry that more people will find out, and I actually fear that I will be in a lot of trouble, not just with my family.

Somehow I felt like someone was taking over my body and making me hate myself and helping me make bad decisions. I started therapy and I hated it, at first. I felt too vulnerable, like I wasn’t strong and I was so mentally unstable that I deserved to be in an institution. I realize I was wrong now, I was very strong. I cried a lot and got very angry at myself when I did, I learned later that this was because my parents have shamed me for crying growing up. My therapist seemed threatening to me and I never fully got comfortable. The lowest point was when I wrote suicide notes.

I thought that I was meant to be the girl who killed herself, I didn’t think I had a future.

I started to take medicine for my depression and it helped. Fighting with my parents became worse, and I was still making horrible decisions with boys at such a young age. My mother made me feel worthless, my father ignored when she would strike me.

Eventually the sadness ebbed away, my irritability started to lessen, I ignored my bad temptations. I was still depressed but I could handle it. After many different medicines and large upward and downward spikes in my mental health I became stable. I got closer with friends, I stayed away from relationships until I loved myself, I stopped wanting to cut. My story is not very well written because I am still ashamed and will not write out the details. I want the readers to know that I am still struggling, that every day is a battle, but I learned how to cope. This is not exactly a happy ending, since I am lonely and still being bullied and harassed for my old behavior. Life doesn’t give you happy endings but you can make the best of it. Having a mental illness is not a bad thing, and if you have one you’re allowed to feel and exist, you are not a burden.

If you have a mental illness, you're allowed to feel. You're not a burden. Click To Tweet

There is hope!

Elanor

TheHopeLine agrees that you are not a burden. You are an individual who needs to be able to express them self and be loved and supported no matter what struggles you have.

Don’t stay in that place of self-hate, it’s going to take time to change what you think about yourself but it’s possible. TheHopeLine’s eBook on self-worth gives practical advice on how to increase your self-esteem.

Matt’s Story: Thank you Dawson

Almost 10 years ago, I had first heard Dawson McAllister on the radio when I was on tour throughout Tennessee. I was only 16 or 17 at the time, now I’m 27. I have 2 beautiful daughters and in a much happier place. Mostly because of the conversation I had with Dawson McAllister on the air while I was driving and it was late. I was considering just turning the wheel and going off the road and doing whatever I could to just end it. But after the talk we had, I changed my mind.

Just wanted to thank you, my friend, Dawson. Without God, and without you… I wouldn’t have my two beautiful girls to wake me up and drive me nuts every morning. And I wouldn’t change that for the world. Thank you.

Matt

Death in the Family

We had a death in the family…my little sister Bailey passed away recently.

Can you relate to Katy’s story about a death in the family?

She was everything to me, we would play together and do whatever we could think of. When Bailey started complaining her stomach hurt, my mom brought her to Children’s Memorial Hospital. Bailey had a cancerous brain tumor and her appendix was taken out.

A year and a half later she passed away. I went back to public school and struggled becoming social and being happy. I was brought to TheHopeLine for guidance and support.

Morgan, who spoke with me listened to me for a hour and a half and helped me through.

I made a lot of new friends in the last couple of days! Bailey might not be with us today, but thanks to Morgan I know she is with me. I learned how to trust in the Lord and I know that Bailey isn’t suffering anymore and she’s having princess parties. Thank you TheHopeLine for believing in me and helping me become happy!

Katy

Get your free guide to help you understand and cope with the stages of grief:

Jasman’s Story: Self-Harm

Jasman’s Story:

When I was about 7 years old my parents got divorced, but as far back as I can remember they were always fighting and arguing. I started to self-harm when I was 12. I thought that there was no one out there who cared, knew what I was going through, even knew I was alive.

I was going through a hard break up, and instead of cutting like I normally would I decided to take a notebook and write in it. Now instead of cutting, I grab my notebook, and I write in it. One day I realized:

I have friends who care about me.
My mom and dad care about me.
My grandparent’s care about me.

I had a blade in my pocket one day, and a friend of mine emailed the school counselor, I got kind of upset at her, but then later that day, when I was home, I realized, that if she would not have emailed the school counselor, I would of cut myself really badly.

People out there care about you, even though you may not realize it.

I wrote this in one of my notebooks today, “Blades help me release the monster on the inside, they can cut deep, or they can just skim the skin, they have always been there through all the rough times, but what I didn’t realize is that so were my friends. I have friends that have always been there. They didn’t have to make a single scar on my body, like a blade, they helped let the monster out through my words, not my cuts. Cuts make scars, then people ask ‘How did you get those?’ then you have to make up some lie, so you do not get in trouble.”

People out there care, even though you may not think they do. #TheHopeLineCares Click To Tweet Blades help release the monster from within, friends help release the monster thru words, not cuts. Click To Tweet

From,

Jasman

If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, check out TheHopeLine’s free eBook.

TheHopeLine Helped Us [Video]

“Someone finally listened to me and someone finally cared.” -Alexis

Are you struggling? Discover How TheHopeLine Helped Them.

Did you know that TheHopeLine® is open 24/7 and it is free? A HopeCoach will listen to you, encourage you, and connect you with the resources you need to find hope. Watch the video and see for yourself how TheHopeLine helped those who were struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, bullying, addiction, self-worth, and more..

What would happen if you contacted TheHopeLine® right now? Chatting with a HopeCoach could change your life. Chatting with a HopeCoach on TheHopeLine® helped each of them.

If you or a friend need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world. For additional help, please visit the suicide prevention resource page.

If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, check out TheHopeLine’s free eBook.

Patrick’s Story: I tried to kill myself

Patrick’s Story

All my life no one, my age, ever really liked me. I was that kid that smelled even thought most of the time I didn’t. Anyway, when I was 14, men started emailing me asking to be my friend; something I never really had. I hesitated at first, then I met one of them. At first, we just sorta hung out, then they started to tell me they need me give them something . You can guess what that meant. At the time, I didn’t think this was an issue. I felt wanted and I felt loved, something I haven’t felt in a while. Now you might ask…were my parents bad or something? They weren’t, they were just busy with their careers. After a while, they made me feel like I had to sneak out at night.

When I got into my second year of high school, I found a girl friend that liked me for who I was. Then, one day I was riding my moped and I fell. I hit my head, and yes, I was wearing a helmet. I went blank for a minute but I was okay, just a scraped hand. I got up and kept riding and a week later. I started getting headaches. I went to the ER and I had a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). About another week later was the first time I tried to kill myself. I stole my family boat and tried to sink it with me inside it…this didn’t work. This was the first time I was hospitalized. I was hospitalized two more times before. They asked if I was ever sexually abused and every other time they asked that I said no but then it clicked, and I opened up. It had never occurred to me that I was abused. I tried to kill myself more times, the other times with pills and jumping off a overpass. Just to give you an update that was the first time my parent found out about the abuse. I had kept it hidden for over 3 years. All in this time, I was cutting and got kicked out of three schools.

Stories of Abuse Survivors:
Abbie’s Story of Sexual Abuse
Talleha’s Story of Hope (Video)

I was also diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). It got so bad, I went to a residential hospital for nine months. After that, life was so much less stressful and the flashbacks came fewer and the wish to die subsided. I still suffer from anxiety and depression, but its manageable, and I am also not on any medication.

I’m proof that if you just take a break from life and work really hard and have a lot of support…you can get through anything!

If you or a friend need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. For a list of crisis centers around the world and additional help, please visit the suicide prevention resource page.

If you are struggling with painful emotions like Patrick download TheHopeLine’s free eBook today.

Leah’s Story: My Parents Got Divorced

My Parents Got Divorced

When I was 10 years old, my parents got divorced. They were always arguing and fighting. My dad was cheating on my mom, with a woman named Lisa. He would always come home so late, and sometimes he didn’t come home at all. I was very depressed and I didn’t know how to deal with it. I had nobody to talk to about it. I would cry myself to sleep.

One day, I wrapped my my hands around my throat and squeezed as hard as I could. I couldn’t do it because I thought about my family.

One day, I came across TheHopeLine® and it helped me through all of this. I was meant to find and join this site. It saved my life and I realized this…it wasn’t my fault at all. I wasn’t alone.

If you are feeling alone and are dealing with divorce, check out our eBook: Understanding Divorce.

Quinn’s Story: I Jumped Off of a Freeway Overpass

Quinn’s Story

I have always seemed like the happy one of my family. No one notices things that they don’t want to. In September 2015, I jumped off of a freeway overpass. I was in the hospital for over a month. I will have lasting impressions of the injuries I sustained for the rest of my life.

TheHopeLine has been here for me when I needed someone to talk to.

My family doesn’t want to talk about it. My brother calls me the family cripple. My family views me as disabled. I might have a limp, and I might be depressed, but that does not make me any less of a person. I am embarrassed to say that I need help from my family, because it has been made into something to be ashamed of.

Thank you TheHopeLine, for being the one place that I can go to talk.

-Quinn

For more on what to do if you are having suicidal thoughts or if you know someone who is considering suicide, check out TheHopeLine’s eBook: Understanding Suicide.

Coy’s Story: Suicidal and Ashamed

Coy’s Story

I spoke with a HopeCoach name West last week. I had googled “Suicide Help Line.”

I was too ashamed to talk to someone over the phone but when I saw a chat option, I felt that would be safe enough.

My life began to feel so heavy and dark inside. I knew it was outside input from the enemy but eventually I just started to believe the lie. I was a worthless father, husband and provider for my family. My new job hadn’t panned out the way I thought it would and left my family of six with a $500 a month pay cut. Over the course of 6 months, we had fallen behind on rent, other bills and it just started to tailspin. Everyday at work, I would contemplate and try to just build up the courage to walk out onto the highway in front of a semi. Too proud to ask for help, too much of a coward to take the easy way out.

I felt stuck, hopeless and utterly alone in the midst of hundreds of people who love me. It was 2am, one of my two daughters was crying. Everytime I laid her in the crib, she would cry. So, I picked her up, went to the living room and while holding her, was looking up suicide help lines. I found TheHopeLine through Death2Life. West came on and began talking with me.

I felt safe. I felt like she didn’t have a bone of condemnation in her body.

She told me her story and I began to cry. The first time I had been able to cry in a long time. She had no way of knowing but we had similar experiences with cancer and loved ones. She asked if it was ok to give me scriptures, I agreed. I knew what the Word said and exactly what I would tell other people in my situation. I just couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I had succumb to the lie. I was worthless and never going to be able to get out of my situation. That my family would be better off without me. That God would send a better man than I to raise my kids and take care of my wife. They deserved more than what I had laid at their feet. We talked and it seemed everything she said resonated with me. She prayed with me. She prayed a prayer and I believed it. She prayed as if she knew God was going to answer it.

I went to bed. I woke up the next morning, tender from the night before. I decided, I’m just going to drive hard at work, work as fast as I can and get the day over with.

I started to recall the night before. I felt a burden to apologize to my boss for my lack of effort at work. I had been so depressed it effected my performance. He never said anything, but I know it did. As I went to apologize I started to cry. He pulled me aside and asked what was going on. I had just felt so transparent, I told him everything from suicidal thoughts, depression, money woes, etc. He asked me how far behind I was. I told him and he placed one months rent in my pocket in cash right then. I didn’t expect that…not in a million years. By the end of the day He had lined up a side job that would help us get out of our situation. I was broken. God had done something I couldn’t believe. He answered West’s prayer for me that she prayed that night before.

I know the road ahead is long but West gave me something I had lost for a while. Hope. I know it will not be fixed overnight. I do believe God is bigger than this and I need to not be a lone ranger Christian and I need to rely on people to pray, trust and help lift my burdens.

I just wanted to say thanks to West. God used her to do a mighty miracle in my life. My wife and four children thank you. They have a new daddy and husband now. I pray your reward is great on Earth and in Heaven.

In Christ Alone,
Coy

If you are having suicidal thoughts or feeling very low and depressed, download TheHopeLine’s free eBook.

Koriander & Ari’s Stories: Help for Self-Harm

Koriander’s Story

Hi. I’m writing from Brazil, I want to tell my story as a thank you to everyone who helped me along the way, including myself. I used to cut myself in the arms when I was a teenager…for years. One day, my friend beg me to stop, so at first I did it for her, then for myself.

Now, years later, it is almost my birthday again and as a gift for me, I wanted to help a stranger, maybe someone who going through the same thing as I did. So I was looking for forums to share my testimony and found TheHopeLine. I admire your work and I’m very happy that people like you exist.

Just want to tell others that when you’re think you’re alone in life, you’re not!

Maybe there’s a person in another country thinking the same thing as you, so, I know it’s hard, but you can do it, you will survive! And maybe years later from now you’ll be the grateful person talking about how you are now fine…with scars, but fine.

Thank you.

-Koriander

Ari’s Story

I started cutting when I was 11. My scars faded away over the years because I hadn’t really cut deep enough to leave any big scars. It’s gotten worse though. I’m now 16, and I’ve felt the urge to cut even more. More. More. More. Break-ups, family issues, school issues and just… everyday sadness is what drives me to do so. I know there are others but I felt like there was no one else to turn to…not even my own mother, or anyone in my family. I even thought about committing suicide a few times….only tried once though.

To be honest, I feel like such a coward, that was…until I found TheHopeLine.com.

They’ve helped me realize that there are people out there that actually do care. I’m glad I gave them a chance.

-Ari

There is help for self-harm. Whether you reach out to a friend, chat with TheHopeLine, or start by downloading our free eBook:

Tonight, I Walked that Thin Line

Have You Walked That Thin Line Between Life And Death?

We grew up away from other people, out in the country. My Mom was as religious as she was irrational, and the two don’t mix. She once grounded me for a week for putting the soap on the wrong side of the sink. She used to pit my brother and I against each other. Dad didn’t really see the damage, and he may never see it. We grew up so isolated, only interacting at school. I never had people over or went over to peoples houses that weren’t my mom’s friends, and she was always present. In a small town, you don’t have much of a window of opportunity to make close friends, and I missed that deadline. I was always just alone. And I thought it was normal.

In 2008, the depression hit pretty bad. I was never close to anybody, even girlfriends and teammates. My voice was always drowned out, interrupted, and ignored.

I always seemed happy and energetic on the outside, but no one knew what was going on.

Since 2008, I wake up every morning…angry I made it through the night. Suicide is always on my mind. The years of drug abuse and cheap thrills coupled with the depression led to some wildly irrational behavior.

In 2010, I put a single bullet into a revolver, spun the chamber, put it to my temple and pulled the trigger. I never told anyone, I just put the gun back and went to school. It got better after a while, and I did fairly well in school somehow.

Now that I’m almost done with my engineering degree, the stress is building up. The happiness started to fade away as I barely am able to keep up with the homework and tests. After drinking myself into an acute case of pancreatitis (and almost dying), I no longer have friends or people to talk to, since all my friends were drunks. I turned to more drugs.

I almost killed myself tonight..I walked that thin line, and TheHopeLine saved my life.

Randy

If you are walking that thin line or know someone else who is, check out TheHopeLine’s free eBook.

I was Being Sexually Abused and TheHopeLine Helped Me [Video]

Are You Being Sexually Abused? Here is Annie’s Real Story of Hope:

I felt like maybe it was something that happened to everybody because I was a little kid, I didn’t know any better but then when I started getting older, I started realizing that it was wrong. A whole bunch of times, I thought about killing myself. I had carved into my arms: “I hate being loved.” I heard about how TheHopeLine® had helped these girls that had been raped or molested. I finally heard one that was really close to my story and I finally called in and a HopeCoach talked to me about it. He told me, “We are going to get you through this.”

More Stories of Abuse Survivors:
Abbie’s Story of Sexual Abuse
Talleha’s Story of Hope (Video)

Have you been sexually abused? Are you being sexually abused? Download our free eBook today for help.

Baylor’s Story: Don’t Give Up!!

Baylor’s Story

When I was in the 4th grade, I started to cut. At first it hurt, but I thought about everything that had already happened. My parents were more into the drugs than their own kids.

When I got to 5th grade, I tried to commit suicide for the first time. I had to go to school the next day all doped up on the pills that I hadn’t taken enough of. My parents didn’t know about this.

Then I got kicked out of the house, so I moved in with my grandma. One day it was all to much for me to handle…so I tried to hang myself. The last thing I remember was hanging there then seeing my grandma walk in the room…I ended up getting kicked out.

Then I tried to kill myself 7 times.

I’m 14 now and I became pregnant. I didn’t want my parents…or no one to know.

I ended up trying to OD. The baby and I were both okay, but I knew I had messed up.

About 2 months later I had a miscarriage. I didn’t know where else to turn, so I started to do some research. That is when I found www.TheHopeLine.com. At first, I thought no one knows what all I’m going through. Finally, one day everything was way to much so I got up the nerve to test it out and chat with them, and I’m glad I did.

I found out that talking about it really does help.

These wonderful people [HopeCoaches] are here whenever nobody else is. So, the moral of my story is: DON’T GIVE UP!!!

Baylor

If you are struggling with suicide thoughts and need help, check out TheHopeLine’s eBook: Understanding Suicide.

On the Verge of Giving Up

I always used to listen to Dawson McAllister on the radio…. never thought I would be one to contact them for help… thank you TheHopeLine.

I was on the verge of giving up…I talked to a girl last night for about 2 hours. I came to you guys with my problems. My best friend that I’ve grown up with and been with my whole life died in a horrible stupid accident. The girl I gained feelings for, that I’ve never had before, needed space. She’s 18 years old has a 19 month old son, who I think is probably the coolest little dude in the world. The girl has everything I’m looking for and her flaws are easily passable for me. But she just broke up with the father that she dated for 4 years and we started talking a few weeks after so I understood she needed time…but the killer was she no longer wishes to really talk to me while she needs space. I didn’t know what to do, I promised her I would wait for her to be ready. Her and her kid mean everything to me. I break down a few times every day. Everything reminds me of her. I hear a song. I tear up. I see a mom and son I tear up. I see a picture of her, I break down. And after I lost my friend this was just the topping to the cake. I knew I was no longer myself.

I knew I needed help before the suicidal thoughts would come. So I came to the one place I knew I could say what’s going on, without being judged and made fun of.

I sadly forgot the girl’s name I talked to, I wish I could thank the HopeCoach again. She walked me through everything. She told me to wait and give the girl space. That she will come back when she’s ready. Tomorrow, I will go to a professional for more help with depression and the anxiety. The girl I talked to last night also talked to me about getting a new personal relationship with our Lord. I said the prayer she gave me last night and I felt His presence, I felt the change…I’ve never been so thankful to have someone to talk to or listen.

So again, I thank all of you for what you do.

Thank you for helping the hopeless.

Thank you for giving your own time just to give time to someone else that was almost out of their time.

Thank you for helping me and countless others find a stronger faith.

Again thank you again all of you!

-Aaron

If you need help with your relationship, check out our free eBooks with relationship advice for guys and girls.

Talking About It – Can Help!

We all have things we deal with…problems, conflict, abuse in our lives. It’s hard to know who to talk to, who will listen and not judge, who will offer good advice and not just say the first thing that pops in their head., who will understand but not let your issues affect the way they feel towards you. That’s why TheHopeLine is here. It’s a safe, non-judgmental place to talk about your struggles. Here are a few courageous people that reached out for help and found TheHopeLine in time to help them in their time of need. Talking about it – CAN HELP.

I made some bad choices over the summer resulting in therapy to try and better myself. Once the therapy stopped, my feelings got worse. I tried reaching out to friends and family, but no one was really there to help and some friends and family members even caused more problems for me. I started to have suicidal thoughts once again and harmed myself for the first time in several years.

The conversation with my HopeCoach helped me get these things off my chest and showed me that I mattered.

They made me realize the good things I have to look forward to, helped me realize that I do matter, and showed me some new resources in case I get worse again.

My conversation with my HopeCoach helped me immensely!

-Jordan

When I found your site I was skeptical at first, I never told anyone about my dilemma. When I was very little my brother, who is ten years older than me, started abusing me. He would make me do sexual things to him and do things back to me that I didn’t want. He repeatedly did things to me that was and never will be right. He threatened to kill me and my mom (he was my step brother and we shared the same father) and I was scared to tell anyone in fear of being hurt by him.

When I was 5, he went too far and took my virginity. When I was 5 years old! That was the line for me and I had the guts to tell my parents and he was sent to jail. I blocked these things out of my mind until a year ago…memories flooded back and I couldn’t control myself. I started self-harming. When I found out he had been allowed out of prison, I was so scared that I tried to commit suicide.

When I found this website I was in lots of pain and telling my story really helped me and I’m in a better place now.

Thank you, you really helped me.

-Jessica

Dear TheHopeLine,

Talking to a wonderful person through email over the past few years (I am now 25, started talking to him when I was 22) has really helped me. He checks in on me once or twice a month to see how I am doing. This guy has really helped me see the good of life and I learned a lot from him. I am now in college being successful.

Thank you for saving my life before it got too bad where it could have killed me. You all rock!

-Charles

If you need help, check out TheHopeLine’s eBook library, with eBooks on Dating, Self-Worth, Depression, and much more!

Struggles With Self-Harm

Self-harm stems from pain so deep it feels as if there is no other way to take away the emotional pain. Whether you have been abused, hurt, rejected, abandoned, or anything else that has caused you emotional trauma and you have turned to self-harm to cope…we are here for you. If you feel like you are alone in your struggles with self-harm…we are here for you. If you feel that you don’t know where to go to get help…we are here for you. If you feel that you are past the point of getting help…that simply isn’t true…we are here for you. Be encouraged by these girls that have battled (and still do) with cutting and self-harm but have found help and support through their struggle.

I Was About to Cut

I found TheHopeLine by accident, but I’m so glad I did. I have been through years of abuse and battle persistant depression. At my lowest point, the guy (HopeCoach) helped me fully vent, and gave me additional resources. They took the time to hear my story, without any judgement. Click To Tweet -Valorey

Relapse Was Knocking

I heard self-injury knocking at the door…it was the only thing that my anxiety stricken-mind could comprehend as the only way out, but my spirit knew the repercussions of relapsing. I spoke with a HopeCoach who helped me recognize the victory of my extended abstinence from self-injury and encouraged me to reach out to a trusted friend, despite my fear of being vulnerable and admitting that I wasn’t okay. I am blessed beyond measure for the reassurance and encouragement Click To Tweet for it was God who orchestrated the conversation and filled me with the courage to overcome what I thought would be a devastating victory for the enemy.” -Alyssa

My Depression and Cutting

For the longest time I was so depressed. I coped with it by cutting and just hurting myself in any way. My depression overcame me and I honestly wasn’t the same. I was never truly happy anymore. I never went out with friends and I never was okay again. The cutting would just get worse everyday. The urges to cut got stronger and stronger as each day went by. It was scary how depressed I was. But then I decided that I didn’t want to feel like this anymore. I talked to people about it. I saw a therapist and I contacted TheHopeLine. With having so much support, I felt like now I had hope in getting better and felt like I had a purpose. It was amazing how I can go from this depressed and anxious person, to a happy and free individual. Click To Tweet -Lila

Recovering

Hello, my name is Hannah. I am a teenager, we tend to be confusing and difficult to relate with. This may be due to the fact that everyone is different, which brings the topic of self harm, cutting, relief, or however else you may want to put it. Some people think that cutting is weird and what people who strive for attention do and others think its the only way to survive, a way to stay alive a way to feel. For me…cutting was attention to myself. I felt alone. Being alone is hard especially since they’re billions of people who live on this planet. So whether you believe that people do this to flash their scars online or to relive pain that been brewing inside. Cutting is something that people do. It can be considered a tragedy or a beckoning for hope. Click To Tweet

For me my silent cries were answered by the people I thought could never understand…my parents. It was the actual hardest thing to tell both of them. The second hardest when they asked how long this had been occurring. And the saddest thing to see them crying when I showed them all the scars I had. But it was the tangible help I received that became the most amazing thing to ever come out of my “problem.”

My personal advice is, I know how hard it can and will be to feel alone, to feel like everyone is all set without you, but cutting is a step that you don’t and shouldn’t have to take. Even if your parents aren’t a focal point for recovering, you have teachers, peers, TheHopeLine and even the police. Anyone can be your reason for feeling something other than nothingness, and you don't have to ruin the only thing that you have to live in - your body. Click To Tweet -Hannah

If you struggle with self-harm and want help, check out TheHopeLine’s eBook.

Suicidal Thoughts

At some point in their lives many have thought about ending their own life. You are not alone. There is hope for those that are having suicidal thoughts just like there was for Sarah, Gavin and Sara.

I have been dealing with depression for eleven years, my sister had passed away and after that my life changed completely. I was abused by my father, then my parents were divorced, afterwards my mom found a really cool guy and he became my step-dad. I loved him, until he started putting me down, shoving me out of the house, getting so close to me when he yelled he would spit on me. Then my Aunt passed away and I found out the day my sister passed away. She committed suicide. Then on my Aunt’s birthday my grandmother died, of old age. I have been bullied at school to the point where I’m afraid to be myself and talk to anyone because of fear of being laughed at. I’ve had several classroom incidents and I was rendered helpless, the teacher was mad. I have a really bad life here. And I have attempted suicide three times already. My HopeCoach came and I didn’t ask the name and well they talked to me and listened to me after I had been so scared to talk. I am so glad because I had my pistol ready, thank you so much!
-Sarah

I felt very low and I felt like ending it. I just wanted to say a big thank you to a HopeCoach on the telephone today as I am in a bad way and he understood. He gave me some good resources and guidance that should hopefully help me in the future. Bless TheHopeLine! Hope is Here!
-Gavin

I had been looking for something that would help me change my mind. I tried other sites, apps….you name it! I stumbled onto TheHopeLine.com in my search and gave them a shot. I’m extremely glad I did. I spoke with a HopeCoach who not only talked me down, but actually understood and had personal experiences feeling the way I’ve been feeling. They talked with me and helped me to see I'm worth a shot too! Click To Tweet
-Sara

You Are Loved.

You Are Brave.

You Are Valuable.

You Can Do This.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or if you know someone who is considering suicide, check out TheHopeLine’s eBook: Understanding Suicide.

I was Feeling Overwhelmed and Alone

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed?

I came across this site by accident but I’m so glad that I did. I have been in a bad place for a while and when I found TheHopeLine.com I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I had no one to talk to because not a lot of people knew what was going on in my life. I spoke about the issues I was having for the first time in four years. I had never been able to do that before.

I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and it gave me the boost I needed to feel hopeful again.

-Lily

If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and dealing with anxiety. TheHopeLine’s free eBook can help you to understand the causes of anxiety and how to deal with it all.

I Was Going to Self-Harm

Do You Struggle With Self-Harm Like Lucy?

Lucy wrote to us at TheHopeLine® about a chat she had with a HopeCoach.

I was about to self-harm and I didn’t know where to turn so I went on here (TheHopeLine.com/gethelp) and this girl, a HopeCoach named Emily, talked with me. I was going to cut myself that day and she talked me out of it. I was lucky that she was there because when I cut myself it was bad. I’m clean now and its all thanks to her.

A special thanks to Emily and TheHopeLine®!
-Lucy

If you or someone you know struggles with self-harm, download TheHopeLine’s free eBook: Understanding Self-Harm. You can also connect with our partners at Door of Hope. You are not alone.

I Feel Happier

Do You Want To Feel Happier?

“I feel happier!” I was just going to say, thank all of ya’ll for the help. Now, I’m not starving myself anymore, I’ve been eating more. Unfortunately, I haven’t gained any weight, but I feel better and have tons of energy. I’ve gotten my depression and anxiety under control, without drugs. I haven’t been suicidal anymore.

I have opened up more to my parents and been telling the truth. I have a better relationship with my parents, siblings, and to God. I have given God my problems now and I’ve been reading my Bible and praying daily and more to God. And, I’ve been clean from cutting for two days now.

I feel happier now and like my life is back on track. Thank you for all of the help 🙂

-Hannah

If you struggle with self-harm, depression, or an eating disorder, TheHopeLine® is here to help. Check out TheHopeLine’s eBooks and chat with a HopeCoach.

I Feel 100x Lighter

When I found this site on Google, I found the answers I was looking for.

My story goes like this:

For the past few months, I’ve been learning an ice skating routine for a competition in March and there was a lad who wouldn’t leave me alone to concentrate. I was forgetting the routine, getting stressed about the moves, and getting snappy with everyone. I go to the ice rink, not to stand around and chat, but to skate and practice what I need to learn. But I couldn’t with Kirean around and I was getting more and more stressed. People started thinking I had anger problems and weren’t even talking to me because I couldn’t talk about what was bothering me. I didn’t want people to think I was horrible.

After chatting on here with a HopeCoach, I realized I just needed to tell my coach, Ryan, that I’m getting confused and stressed about the routine and I don’t mean to be sharp and snappy with him.

And I need to tell Kirean when I’m not practicing I can hang out and have a laugh with him, but skating time is practice time.

Thank you TheHopeLine!
Roxie (from the UK)

If you are dealing with a situation where you are unsure of what to do and feel frustrated or stressed, connect with a HopeCoach at TheHopeLine. We are here for you, not only to listen but also help you figure out how to deal with what you are going through.

Kept Me From Killing Myself

I can’t go into all the details but the person with whom I spoke with kept me from killing myself.

I’m in a very dark place at this time but they helped me see just the tiniest bit of light at the end of this road. I cant say it won’t happen again but I will say at least I will try to come back if things get black again. Thanks.

Monia

If you are in a dark place right now and need someone to help you see the light, connect with a HopeCoach right now.

You Saved My Life

When I logged onto your app, I was lost, devastated and heart broken. I have had a lot of bad things happen to me in the past, and I’ve done a lot of bad things as well, but one of your HopeCoaches, unfortunately who will remains anonymous to me, saved my life today.

I had been through a rough break up for the second time and betrayed by a good friend of mine and I thought about leaving it all behind…and if it wasn’t for this person I met through you guys, I would have gone through with it. I constantly turned my back on God throughout my life, but after today, I know Jesus will always be there for me..to carry me through all my hard times that I have yet to still overcome.

What you people do, it’s amazing and liberating and selfless.

I love all of you so much. My name is JonPaul. I’m a 25 year old college student out of Colorado, and I am so glad I met you all. You, the person I met tonight, who showed me the light and the right path I should take, I want you to know you made me very happy, and I love you deeply.

Even though you are a stranger…you saved my life and my mind from total destruction.

I am forever in debt to your grace. And I hope one day, I get to meet you. Thank you for listening to me, and hearing my heartbreaking story. You made my world a better place to be in. Thank you again!

JohnPaul

Need to talk? Connect with a HopeCoach by downloading

TheHopeLine’s mobile app today!

Don’t Keep Quiet If You Are Feeling Suicidal

My story starts off on August 17th, 2015….

On August 17th 2015, I attempted to take my life by crashing a car into a pole driving 85 mph. All the problems I had in my life were adding up and I thought to myself…what’s the point? I have no future. My ex of 2 years ago is ruining my life because of one choice I made and the girl who had always been by my side left me and that devastated me. I thought nobody will ever love me like she did.

I sent her a pic of me crying then I went out to my car and I called my best friend and I told him, “I can’t do it anymore…I’m done.” He said, “What happened?” I said, “The stuff with my ex and she left me…I’m going to do it!!” And he said, “Do what?” I said, “Speed…I’m going to drive 140 mph into a pole,” and I did exactly that. A lady watched me roll my car, she watched me hit the pole, right now I’m in the process of finding her to thank her for calling 911. I also was assumed and pronounced dead on scene. My ex was going to the store and she looked down the road and saw my car rolled over, and she’s the one who got the phone call.

After that incident, I feel more positive about life. My message is: Don’t keep quiet if your going to hurt yourself or others…please speak up. If you are feeling suicidal then talk to someone, don’t keep quiet about it. There is someone out there who will listen to you.

John

For information on what to do if you are having suicidal thoughts or if you know someone who is considering suicide, check out TheHopeLine’s eBook: Understanding Suicide.

TheHopeLine Helped Me Change My Life

“A HopeCoach Helped Me Change”

I talked to a HopeCoach a few years ago and I just wanted to thank you so much! The HopeCoach helped me change my life. It was about 3 years ago and I just wanted to give an update.

I was a drug user and had lost hope in my life.

I didn’t know what to do about my drug issue and my girlfriend, at the time, was cheating on me and so I chatted with a HopeCoach. Now, I have been sober 1 year and 3 months, as of 10/12/15 and I am a full time student in a bible college.

I’m single and I am so happy with my life. I didn’t finish high school but I’m getting my GED. I’m also helping in my church’s youth as a leader and I’m going to help kids that have been where I was.

When I talked to the HopeCoach, they helped me change my life – instead of losing my life in prison and ending up dead. Now, I’m helping people with their every day problems. Just to see the joy they get, makes my heart feel so good! Thank you for helping me!

-Joshua

For more information on how to overcome your addiction, download TheHopeLine’s eBook:

Don’t Lose Hope

Hi! I have used the Hope Line several times already. It was a really powerful tool that actually helped me vent out stuff that had piled up for years, and now, I am no longer experiencing the same emotional turmoil I once did. Thank you for providing 24/7 free chat lines.

Chatting with your HopeCoaches seriously brought me through some of the darkest seasons in my life.

I wanted to send you this essay, which I wrote below. So many times I’ve wanted to encourage others but haven’t been able to because I myself needed encouragement and would’ve of sounded like a hypocrite. Now, however, I am at a place where I feel I can genuinely encourage others because I have personally experienced encouragement, and hope has been reawakened within me.

I wrote this essay to encourage others not to give up and just to have them feel that their trials and issues are acknowledged. I don’t know. It might not do anyone any good. But I decided to write it because it is what I truly believe, and it comes from my heart.

-Jennifer

Jennifer’s Essay and Encouragement for YOU!

I just want to take the time right now to write this short piece and encourage those who feel low. Low in joy, low in self-esteem, low in whatever else it may be. Low as in rock bottom. And rock bottom really sucks.

We all go through seasons in our life, seasons of joy and seasons of sadness and trials. It is in those seasons that we learn a lot about ourselves that we never perhaps even knew before. Sure, those seasons suck, but those that make it out of their hardships come out stronger, and I believe they have a more firmly rooted identity. And no one can tell you who you are or what you went through because, guess what, you were the one that walked through the fire, not them. And you know it.

But it can get pretty annoying sometimes hearing the phrase You’ll come out stronger when all you’re focusing on is just getting through each day without falling apart and letting everything go to pots. Sure, you may come out stronger, but you’re not at that place yet, and, frankly, you’re just learning how to survive.

I think when people go through extremely rough times in life, what they need is not someone who will explain their situation for them and tell them how to solve it. After all, if you who are in it don’t know how to solve your problems, how much less will they? No, what people need in rough times is someone who will stand by them and listen to them. And that could be all they do. Just listen. But listening is, I think, one of the most powerful ways to make someone feel better, even if their circumstances don’t immediately change.

Why? Why is listening to someone vent so powerful? It is because you are showing that you care about how they feel and what is going on in their life. Listening is, in fact, one way to show love. It is acknowledging the fact that your friends’ problems and concerns are real. We need someone who will listen to us. And just that. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Well, I know by reading this small essay, you are not being listened to. In fact, you are listening to what I am saying to you through this essay. But I wrote it not because I want to tell you everything is going to be alright nor to tell you how to fix your messy life. You see, there is another powerful tool besides listening, and that is feeling understood.

Being understood means having your feelings, thoughts, and emotions acknowledged out loud and not crushed or denied by those you confide in. It feels like walking down a busy grocery aisle when someone suddenly singles you out from all the people and says, Hey! I know you!It means having someone else say out loud and acknowledge what you have been dealing with internally. And that is super healthy because sometimes, in all the mess, you can feel like no one understands or maybe even that what you’re feeling is not real. But it is, and you need someone who will acknowledge that out loud and stand by you.

To whoever is reading this, perhaps you stumbled upon it because the Lord is right now acknowledging that He sees your pain, and He is not ignoring you. Sometimes, we just don’t have the energy to look up to the Lord because we’re so weary with our issues. And our issues may even create mistrust and stop up our relationship with the Lord. There’s so much pain inside that it’s so hard to focus our attention on the Lord. But that’s ok because in our weakness, He is strong. When you don’t have the strength to press on, He will be your strength.

It is so important to have people listen to you and acknowledge your pain and troubles. But I’ve found, that is not enough. Because at the end of the day, we were created to have a whole relationship with the One who created us. Honestly, I could sympathize with you and listen to you and show you I understand, but if you don’t have Him to fill you up inside, you will always feel empty and be dependent on others to make you feel happy or whole. No one can do for you in a lifetime what Jesus can do for you in one second.

I can recall so many times when I felt like I was at the end of the rope, and I just cried out Jesus’ name and a moment later, I felt His love and Spirit cover me. It was so incredible because I was just calling out in desperation. I didn’t think anything would actually happen. But then, I was hit with His overpowering love. And sometimes, it would just happen without me even saying anything. It is an incredible experience that cannot be explained with words, and what is so amazing about every single one of the times is that I wasn’t even expecting that to happen. He didn’t do that because I performed some works or prayed super long. On the contrary, He did it just because He wanted to. That was it.

I know Jesus wants you to experience Him in such a powerful way. And I also know there’s no formula for experiencing His power and love. In fact, sometimes, you may go through an extremely long dry season, where Jesus feels a million light years away. But I’ve found that even in those dry seasons, what gets you through is keeping your heart soft even when you want to harden it and just grow bitter.

Whether you are a believer or not, you may be going through a rough time right now. I don’t have the solution for you, but Jesus does. And even if you know Jesus, it doesn’t mean all your mess gets cleaned up, nor does it mean that your mess is less messy than that of the unbeliever’s. We are all people, and all people have problems. And I just want to encourage you not to lose hope. And I don’t want to sound cheesy, but seriously. Do not give up. A tragic story is only possible if giving up is involved. And I’m not saying things might end pretty. But they can end with you coming out whole and stepping into a new and better season of life. So let the fire of hope burn within you. Yes, you will get through even though that seems laughable now. Yes, you will know joy once again or maybe even for the first time. And, yes, Jesus is the answer. Don’t just read this as some religious jargon or spiel. Jesus can seriously give you peace in the midst of the storm. I know because I’ve walked through the fire, and He walked right beside me every step of the way, even when I felt like He wasn’t there.

If you have questions about Jesus or you are struggling with something chat with TheHopeLine or if you feel low in your self-esteem, like Jennifer has, and searching for hope check out TheHopeLine’s eBook: Understanding Hope.

Learned to Appreciate My Own Self-Worth

How Did Zoe Find Her Own Self-Worth?

Here is Zoe’s personal account of how she finally learned to appreciate her own self-worth….
I first came on here, to TheHopeLine on the 9/24/2015. I spoke to a wonderful HopeCoach about issues I’ve had with my Mum and my brother, who sadly, is no longer a part of our lives as he disowned us all last year. I explained how I was feeling and was advised that I can’t change who my Mum is but what I can do is set my own rules and boundaries to protect myself and stop enabling others to put me in situations that no longer make me happy. These people (the HopeCoaches) are so down to earth and they speak a lot of honesty truth and logic.

I was made to appreciate my own self value and worth and that other peoples battles aren’t mine to fight anymore. They have to handle them on their own. I’ve done my fair share of battling through my life and that it’s time for me to take a step back and look after me.

Zoe (from the UK)

Start appreciating your own self-worth…download TheHopeLine’s free eBook about understanding your self-worth and contact TheHopeLine for help: CHAT HERE!

You Are Never Alone

Lidya Discovered She Is Never Alone: TheHopeLine® Is There For Her And You 24/7

Lidya shared with TheHopeLine® how important it is to know that you are never alone and that it is important to ask for help.

I’m 15 years old and talking on TheHopeLine® really helped me in terms of just getting to know God and myself better. I have struggled with people to the point I would get headaches and get overwhelmed and then would cry. I used to self-harm but God helped me come out of it. Now, I’m not shamed of my scars even if I feel like I need to be ashamed.

I pray and trust God. I know God is making me stronger everyday.

We all have challenge issues problems and really deep insecurities and scars but you are never ever ever ever alone.

And you can begin again in every area. I can begin again a thousand times if I have to because God makes me new in every area. I am new. I am healed and you can be too. Don’t ever be ashamed or even scared that people will know that your ashamed because God is there. I love myself no matter what and I hope this helps someone!

God bless YOU!
God bless me!
God bless all of us!

-Lidya

If you need to talk about some struggles in your life then chat with TheHopeLine: HERE. And if you or someone you know struggles with self-harm, check out our eBook about self-harm and cutting.

Isolation

Leigh Had Been Living In Isolation For Years

Leigh describes her experience of isolation and how she found hope at TheHopeLine®…..
When my father became ill, there wasn’t much time for me….at all. I couldn’t have a conversation with anyone. I was ignored and no one even attempted to hide the fact they were ignoring me. It’s not a big deal if you’re an older teen, but I was 10.

It’s been almost another 10 years since this started. I have started having dark thoughts over, as if I wasn’t even a person anymore. I couldn’t talk with my family, my friends, nor the staff at my school. I began isolating myself during middle school and I now fear being in a room with too many people. My HopeCoach was very supportive and a very short conversation with him went better than conversations I’ve had with anyone. I would recommend TheHopeLine® to anyone feeling upset over any sort of situation.

Leigh

Friendships can be really hard, to read more about how to make and keep friends, download your free eBook:

Overwhelming Sadness and then Hope

Two years ago my best friend was killed in a car accident. He wasn’t just my best friend…he could have possibly been my soul mate. And I haven’t accepted his death, so my head is still stuck in 2013 rather than 2015. I was in too much shock to take it all in and now I am, slowly starting to notice that he isn’t going to be coming home anytime soon.

I was trying to write something , anything and all I could think of was how much I missed him. My depression has kicked into high gear and I just was looking for someone, other than people who know me to hear my story with no judgment and I found this site and signed up and decided to give it a try, to give me some sort of hope and calm myself down. Sarah, was my HopeCoach and she was the one who actually made me aware that I am stuck in 2013 mentally because of his loss. She prayed for me and at the end, I had a smile on my face and happy tears because of the prayer.

Thank you Sarah and to the other HopeCoaches who take their time to talk to people who are struggling. Thank you for helping to keep us motivated and helping us to carry on.

To hear our stories, means a lot to me and I am sure to everyone else. You guys are awesome 🙂

Jordyn

If you are struggling with depression, no matter the cause, to find out more and get help, check out our free eBook on Depression!

My Night Started With Cutting

I started my night by cutting.

The hallucinations in my head were taking over any thought I could possibly have of getting out of this situation alive. All I could hear were voices telling me to give up, about anger and hatred and constant ideas of death and suicide. I have been through hell since I turned 11 and I still sometimes think it will never end.

But tonight, I was shown the love of God by the HopeCoach I talked to. Even though it seems that no one understands my dangerous hallucinations, the coach was extremely compassionate as I explained my situation to her.

She helped me push those voices out of my head so I could focus on the truth: God is love and is protecting my life. I don’t have to be afraid anymore. Even though these voices will continue to attack my head, I can always remember that God is on my side. The voices are gone for tonight and I can finally sleep in peace.

Thank you HopeLine for taking the time to listen to my story and help me through one of the hardest nights of my life!

Kristin

If you or someone you know struggles with self-harm, download TheHopeLine’s free eBook: Understanding Self-Harm. You can also connect with our partners at Door of Hope. You are not alone.

My Social Fear

What If Your Social Fear Kept You From Enjoying Life?

I am thirteen. I had a little group of friends. My family was united. I had an awesome life until my parents’ divorce when I was nine. After that, everything went down. I started becoming more and more afraid of meeting new people or even old friends. I was afraid of even making eye contact with anyone, and would cry when going to a party. I didn’t know how to tell my parents because I didn’t want to be a weight for them.

I was suffering so much, but I didn’t know what to do. Then, I learned about TheHopeLine.

I chatted with Emily, a HopeCoach, and she was so helpful. She told me to write a letter to my parents about it. They inmediately understood and took me to a therapist. Now, I rarely panic about going to a party, and I feel really happy. My relationships have never been better. Thank you Emily!!
-Isabel

For information on how to understand the causes of anxiety and social anxiety disorders and how to deal with them, download TheHopeLine’s free eBook.

Pain Inside I Couldn’t Deal With

The Deep Pain Inside Brianna

It started right before entering my senior year in high school. I was tired. Tired of people. Tired of my overbearing parents. Tired of sharing everything with my twin. Tired of life. I attempted suicide when I was at the tender age of 16. I totaled my car by hitting a pole at a whopping 50+ miles per hour. I flipped the car so high I knocked the top off the pole, crushed the passenger side, and somehow walked away with a few scratches. I was scared. I was upset, but I was alive.

Fast forward just a couple of months. Senior year has started, and nothing is going right. I continually ask myself why I failed. Why am I still here? I felt like a burden on my family. On my teachers. I worked hard in school, to an extent. I had to pretend I didn’t care a little. Otherwise they would all ask what was wrong with me. I still couldn’t cope. I watched my twin get everything I had worked three years for. Section leader in band, team captain on our varsity soccer team, she had the high school sweetheart, she was the thin one, the smart one. She had it all. I started to cut. It wasn’t for attention. It wasn’t for anyone to say, I am so sorry, as they looked away.

It was because there was a pain inside me I couldn’t deal with.

I was immature. Angry. I made it through Christmas barely. Over the break I got a cold, I started taking medicine. I found out I didn’t need much sleep on it. So I kept taking it. For months. Even after the cold had been long gone. I had a drug dependency. I didn’t need to sleep more than a couple hours a night. But I didn’t make a good use of my extra time. I cried a lot. When everyone was asleep. And I cut. At this point, I had a really bad attitude. A bad outlook on life. I hated everyone and everything. Because of that attitude, I didn’t step foot on the soccer field my entire senior year, despite starting on varsity since my freshman year. It was devastating.

I finally lost it and lashed out, not at a student, but at a teacher. When she confronted me, I broke down and told her I didn’t need her sympathy, that’s why I cut. For me, not anyone else. Here is where being a minor came into play… They told me parents. After watching my mother cry, they put me in therapy. Professional therapy. The counselor talked to me, asked me what was wrong and I told him all my grievances with the world. He asked what I did for fun. I had to say nothing. Nothing was fun anymore. I didn’t have my school, my sport, even my friends were gone at this point. All I had was cold medicine and scarred thighs.

During my final months of senior year, my final months of therapy, I found something out about myself. I was lost. I had strayed so far from God I didn’t know how to get back.

Here I was searching desperately for something to help me. To take away my loneliness, my pain. And He was right there. Waiting for me.

There were so many signs while I was struggling, but I was too angry to see them or take them for what they were. I reconnected with God. Got involved with my church. It took a long time, but I beat my drug dependency, I beat the need to be accepted by everyone around me, and I beat the need to self harm myself. I was accepted. Finally. I strayed throughout college, I don’t know many people who don’t honestly.. But I found my way back through an amazing man who I am now engaged to marry. I am in charge of a youth group, and we lead discussions about tough topics. Topics I have firsthand experience with. I also sing. I sing on Wednesdays, I sing on Sundays. I sing at work. In the car. Alone or surrounded by people. I lift God and I thank him every day for rescuing me from myself and the devil within me. I still fight sin. Daily. It’s still a struggle. But I am no longer alone. Praise Jesus for his love and grace. – Brianna

If you or a friend need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world. For additional help, please visit the suicide prevention resource page.

If you are struggling, you don’t have to struggle alone. TheHopeLine is here for you. Chat with us: HERE

Inspired To Do What My Heart Wants

Overprotective parents. 22 and living with parents. Don’t get to go out. Don’t get to meet the love of my life. Pressurized to be the best in studies and not caring about my dreams.

I stopped self cutting 3 years ago. Started today because of fight with boyfriend. It was pretty bad. Then I thought why. Why was I cutting? I wondered if others did it for the same reasons. I googled why people cut themselves. Found this in one of the blogs I read.

Downloaded the app and chatted.

I feel so much better and positive and inspired to do what my heart wants me to. Thank you for making me strong again when I was about to give in to my weak self.

And Lance my HopeCoach is a sweetheart and he helped me get my confidence and will power back….Thank you Lance for your kindness and patience. I needed that when I had nobody.

Stella

If you struggle with self-harm, download our free ebook: Understanding Self-Harm and Cutting. AND chat or talk with a HopeCoach to get help right now. CHAT HERE. Talk at: 1-800-394-4673.

Emotional Pain

Kirana Was In Deep Emotional Pain

I found this site when i was looking for something to read, when I was at the very bottom of emotional pain. And I sincerely thank God that He found me back through this site. Thank you also for HopeCoaches that helped me out by listening patiently and giving me courage to stand up again and move on.

There is no easy way to fix what has broken into pieces, but it doesn’t mean there is no way at all. Sometimes through pain God shapes us into a better person. It is all about choices we made and whether we want to live in the pain or we want to go through it a stronger person. Pain is one process in life, not an end of things we go through.

I found TheHopeLine really helpful as we don’t just get support, we also learn to care and support others who are really in need.

God is amazing to bring all these people together despite distance. I’m really thankful for all the HopeCoaches who are really being God’s hands and lights to my life. I now can see life from different point of view, a better one with hope and good faith.

I have made my choice that I will attend a church service this Sunday, I just need to be there among believers to be together with them to praise and worship God…it is so good to feel “He found me and I’m home now.” There’s a lot to be done with fixing up my life and emotions but I’m positive that with God nothing is impossible, He mends my brokenness and He give me peace and understanding which is a great strength to keep moving on.

Thank you!
Kirana (from Indonesia)

TheHopeLine’s eBook on self-worth gives practical advice on how to increase your self-esteem.

Stay Strong

How She Was Able To Stay Strong

I was 18, fresh out of high school and in my first serious relationship. He was abusive and I was enamored. He cut me off from my friends, and I alienated my family. Things were emotionally, physically, and sexually abusive. I was devastated when he left.

I suffered from self harm and I couldn’t control the impulses to keep myself from cutting. I gained a lot of weight and I found my solace in my studies. I was eating, working, going to school, and barely sleeping.

I finally found God, talked to a counselor, and met an amazing man. He has helped me overcome a lot of my struggles by praying with and for me daily. Since then, I’ve lost almost 100 pounds, I have been free from self harm for more than a year and I just want to say it gets better. It seems bleak, but it can’t stay that way forever. Stay strong, be positive, and find God. He puts you through struggles and situations for a reason.

-Bridget

If you or someone you know struggles with self-harm, download TheHopeLine’s free eBook: Understanding Self-Harm. You can also connect with our partners at Door of Hope. You are not alone.

Suicide and Self Harm

Can You Relate to Marine’s Story of Suicide and Self-Harm?

Suicide and self-harm were struggles for Marine. See how she found help and hope.

I’m a French girl, I’m 13 and I’m the kind of person who has everything to be happy…good at school, great family, lot of travel. But I’ve found the way to be sad. It’s isn’t my fault you know, you can’t choose. I started cutting myself at 11 years old. I thought that the problem was someone, because at school I had a teacher, an incredible women who had everything to be a good person and a good teacher, this women was my french teacher. I became attached to her, not like a boyfriend but like a mom. I was so sad without her.

I’d like to say that HopeCoaches are very helpful!

When she realized that I was cutting myself she panicked and she avoided me. For almost a year I didn’t talk to her. Then in April, on the 10th, I had an appointment with her (and my psychologist and also the director of my school). We talked a lot about this. I was so scared. Now we begin slowly again to speak to each other. And now that this has ended I have absolutely no idea of the reason of my problems. And I think that’s the worst in my story: I don’t know so I can’t do anything.

I’ve talked many times to a HopeCoach, they helped me a lot, and even if it’s not over, I moved forward a lot thanks to them! 🙂

I don’t know if i’ll be the same girl later, but I know that some people really tried to help me and I think that’s the main thing. I can’t write a long message, because my English isn’t good enough so sorry about this. I’m still fighting to stay because i really would like to let go.

-Marine

I have slowly stopped cutting.

I have always been overweight and insecure. In the fifth grade I started cutting and I just couldn’t stop. It’s an addiction and I did it all the time. One day in the bathroom, when I was washing my hands, one of my “friends” saw my cuts and she asked what they were and if I did them. I told her I did them and she didn’t even care, all she said was “oh, okay.” So that just made me feel even more worthless, invisible, and suicidal.

When I had gotten home that day I went for a walk around my neighborhood and I got taken and raped. I tried yelling for help but he covered my mouth. I tried telling my dad but all he said was if someone did then you deserved it. He tied me down to his bed and hit me until I started bleeding then he raped me. When I said I was going to tell my teacher he said if I did then it would just be worse tomorrow. By that time I did everything to die or leave, after a while I went to a hospital for 3 months but then I had to go back to my abusive dad. No one would see me so I started sending dirty pictures to guys and girls to get attention.

One day I found this website and started talking to someone, a HopeCoach, and they told me I was worth it and needed help to get better. Since then I have slowly stopped cutting.

I am Whitney and that is my story.

If you are struggling with self-harm you can contact TheHopeLine HERE and check out our page of resources to help you because scars don’t have to last forever.

And if you don’t want to be that friend, the one that made Whitney feel worse, think about joining Dawson’s Tribe. By joining Dawson’s Tribe, you can be prepared to recognize a friend in trouble and then be able to help and guide your friend through their issues. You won’t necessarily have all the answers but you will at least be able to let them know you care and then point them in the right direction.

CLICK HERE to join The Tribe.

Thank you for saving my life! [Video]

She told Dawson, “Thank you for saving my life.”

She was about to pop of bunch of pills to end her life, but then Dawson came on the radio. Watch and see what happened.

Relationship

My best friend, who is a girl, and myself were having difficulties in our relationship. Our parents told us to stop talking because we were getting too close. When we finally were able to talk again, this girl told me we needed to kill the relationship. I didn’t know what this meant or what I should do. Should I do what the girl wanted me to do or was the girl just saying this because she wanted me to back away for a while? I didn’t know.

I started chatting with a HopeCoach because I didn’t trust anybody I knew.

The HopeCoach helped me understand what I should do. He gave me insight and wisdom as to what I should be doing. He gave me hope and a plan for the future.

I am grateful for this help. I needed advice and he helped me out.

Thomas

Sexual Assault

I was raped while taking the garbage out, right outside of my own house. I never saw who, but I’m hoping he will be caught soon. I came to TheHopeLine because I was feeling alone and overwhelmed with everything. Despite the support from my family and friends, I felt like I needed more.

So we talked for a while and I was given many resources which I will be taking, and then I was shown how God can help me heal.

Tonight, I found God. I know he will always be there for me, and I also know that TheHopeLine will be too.

So a HUGE thank you to the lady who helped me tonight, whoever you are. You’ve helped push me in the right direction and I’ll forever be grateful.

Thank you.
Jade

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org.

Are you concerned about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Learn more about it by downloading your free eBook.

God Forgives

I had a struggle for a long time but at the very moment I’m typing this I know I’m free in Jesus Name.

Before, I always thought that God was getting tired of forgiving me because I always fail him and I would always do that sin over and over again. It’s a kind of sexual sin, I’m still a virgin but I did this pillow sexual fantasy thing. I asked God so many times to give me chance but I always failed, I always fell into temptation.

One time I was so anxious because I fell to it again, I know God forgives but sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve any of it, so I decided to search for a Christian counseling or line. I haven’t told anyone about my struggle until I joined here at TheHopeLine.com. There was a HopeCoach who talked to me right away, I confessed everything about that sexual sin. I’m glad they don’t judge people who are seeking help. I was reminded that God’s love and forgiveness for us never fails, even if we fail so many times.

Right now, I will pray harder and I will always have that verse with me -Philippians 4:6-8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”

So whenever the enemy tries to attack my weakness I can overcome in Jesus Name! I’m blessed that I found this site, it really helps a lot.

I hope that like me, whenever you have a struggle like this I hope you will always think that God loves us and forgives us. I’m starting my new life today, forgetting all those bad things and look forward to God’s best plan for me.

God bless everyone!

-Alexandra

If you have something you are struggling with and want a place free of judgement to get help, please chat with a HopeCoach at TheHopeLine. Click HERE!

Forgiveness can release you from the insane grip of the past. For more information on how to forgive and why it’s so important for you to forgive, download TheHopeLine’s free eBook.

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