w a r n i n g t h e t h r e a t o f m o r n i n g

Pieces on this account in no way support self-injury, anorexia, domestic violence or suicide. Too long have these acts been shrouded by taboo, and thus continuined on in silence.

People look at my work and call me an attention seeker, yet how many actually look beyond the acts re-enacted in the works to see the true meaning behing the image. People judge me for the works I publish, yet never stop to consider that I only publish the truth. The hidden truth, of course. The stereotypical goth kid's actions in the darkness of their secluded corner. Because an act has been so publicized in the media it seems the 'cool' thing to do.

How many actually feel the pain of a bulimic as they are torn apart by their need to be thin; the internal silent struggle of a self injurer as they battle to come to terms with themselves or their past; the rape victim who cries in silence as they blame themselves.

Before you are so quick to call someone an attention seeker, perhaps you should give them the benefit of the doubt, in that perhaps they need help, no matter the way they dress, the music they listen to or how many friends they have.

To those who feel that self harming is a brilliant way to get attention, think again. To be taken to the emergency room at 3:15am by parents who are crying and upset, and somewhat angry and hurt, is not fun, nor is it a fun way to gain attention. If you need attention, or help, ask for it. Do not sink into habits that can scar you for life, or even cut it short.

s u i c i d e i s n o t t h e a n s w e r

Ask the 25-year-old who tried to electricute himself. He lived. But both of his arms are gone.

What about jumping? Ask John. He used to be intelligent, with an engaging sense of humor. That was before he leapt from a building. Now, he's brain-damaged and will always need care. He staggers and has seizures. He lives in a fog. But, worst of all, he KNOWS he used to be normal.

What about pills? Ask the 12-year-old with extensive liver damage from an overdose. Have you ever seen anyone die of liver damage? You turn yellow. It's a hard way to go.

What about a gun? Ask the 24-year-old who shot himself in the head. Now he drags one leg, has a useless arm and has no vision or hearing on one side. He lived through his "foolproof" suicide. You might too.

But... who will clean your blood off the carpet or scrape your brains from the ceiling? Commercial cleaning companies may refuse that job--but SOMEONE has to do it.

Who will have to cut you down from where you hung yourself or identify your bloated body after you've drowned? Your father? Your mother? Your wife? Your son?
The carefully worded "loving" suicide note is of no help. Those who loved you will NEVER completely recover. They'll feel regret and an unending pain.

Suicide is contagious. Look around your family. Look closely at the 4 year old playing with his cars on the rug. Kill yourself tonight, and he may do it ten years from now.

You DO have other choices. There are people who can help you through this crisis. Call a hotline. Call a friend. Call your minister or priest. Call a doctor or hospital. Call the police. They will tell you that there is hope. Maybe you'll find it in the mail tomorrow. Or in a phone call this weekend. But what you're seeking could be just a minute, a month, or a day away.

You say you don't want to be stopped? Still want to do it?
Well, then, I may see you in the psychiatric ward later. And we'll work with whatever you have left.

Remember: Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.