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Dear 2015 Me as You're Standing on the Train Tracks

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It gets better.

I know everyone says that to everyone contemplating suicide ever —

But trust me, it does.

If you decide to sit down,

If you decide to give up,

You won’t see the great things that life can give you.

In March 2016 you meet your favorite band.

In June 2016 you no longer hate the NBA Finals.

In August 2016 you adopt a kitten.

That is just a small selection of the greatness that happens.

Not that there won’t still be heartache.

Not that rough times won’t come your way.

What I’m trying to tell you is it’s worth it.

You‘ll fail all but one class in the spring semester.

You’ll get accepted into your major.

You’ll have your heart broken more than once.

You’ll find a loving boyfriend.

You’ll be back on those train tracks again.

You’ll cry in the arms of friends who care.

Don’t end what has barely begun.

You can’t even legally drink to drown your sorrows yet.

I know that sounds pretty cool, but trust me —

You’ll get more therapy out of trying to get the perfect eyeliner.

Don’t be afraid to cry.

Don’t be afraid to be real.

Don’t be afraid of Death because he’s not coming for you for awhile.

Sincerely,
2016 You As I Sit in Starbucks

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.

Originally published: October 4, 2016
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