"Did you hear?" they whisper, away from their kids.  "The neighbors' daughter tried to kill herself!"  That's what my neighbors are saying right now.

It began as a normal day on Monday.  I dropped my daughter off at school as I had since taking over the night shift at my job.  I told my daughter I loved her and watched her walk in the door.  At 7 PM my husband called me and said that my daughter was unresponsive.  He asked me about where my medications were.  I got on the phone with my daughter and tried to get a response out of her.  There was none.  My husband called my son and asked him to come home.  Further investigation produced a video on our camera and several note cards.  She indicated she had taken handfuls of pills.  My daughter turned 12 last month and is in 7th grade.  

The note cards had her suicide note written on them.  Her video was also a goodbye to the family and her dog.  My husband called 911 and she was rushed to a local hospital.  Upon learning this, I headed straight for the hospital.  When I arrived, my daughter was hysterical and screamed for me not to touch her.  Soon my husband and son arrived, and my daughter held out her arms to my son.  I gave them some time alone and then remained with her for several hours.  We were finally informed that she would be transferred to a psychiatric hospital.

During the time I was with my daughter in the ER I asked her if she was angry at me or her dad.  She said no.  When I asked her if she was being bullied she screamed, "I don't want to talk about it!"  Therapy sessions revealed several problems with her self esteem and image.  She was diagnosed with depression and an eating disorder.  Medication was ordered and administered.

She remains in the hospital until at least tomorrow.  We have a long road ahead of us.  I kind of regard Newsvine members as neighbors, so I thought it appropriate to post.  Please talk to your kids in detail if at all possible about what's going on at school.  I don't wish this situation on anyone!  So, now you've heard. .