To the editor:   

I am writing this to anyone who’s thinking of committing suicide – youth or adult. I’m asking you to choose life.   

I get the pain. I’ve been there, done that and bought the T-shirt. I was not popular in high school. I was bullied. I also eventually got committed to the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center. But that help changed my life. I learned how to live life, not just exist.

I chose life and now I get to help make a difference. I joined the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County, a non-profit organization designed to erase the stigma of mental illness. I now have a voice. But if you choose suicide, you won’t have a voice and you won’t be around to see the people genuinely mourning for you.   

If you’re hurting, tell someone you trust. If they don’t listen, tell someone else. Shout until someone hears you. If you’re in school, see the school nurse, your guidance counselor, the school psychologist, a teacher. Anyone.

If you’re out of school, tell your boss, co-worker, pastor, parent or call 911. Or call Twin Cities Crisis Services, at 763-755-3801. They come to you and they’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are many people who care; just reach out and shout until someone listens. Let people help you. Choose life and help make a difference. You are valuable to somebody – trust me on this. Fight through the pain and those inner wounds will turn to scars. You’ll find the light.

Cynthia Blesi, Member
Mental Wellness Campaign For Anoka County

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Be aware of epilepsy

To the editor:   

More than three million Americans have epilepsy or a seizure disorder and I am one of thousands of volunteers working to raise awareness of this terrible condition.

Epilepsy is common, but many people know little about it or what to do when someone is having a seizure.  That’s why the Epilepsy Foundation is asking everyone to take the Get Seizure Smart! quiz.

A copy of the quiz is available at www.GetSeizureSmart.org.  My 12-year-old daughter has intractable epilepsy, which means we can’t get the seizures to stop and I strongly encourage everyone to take the quiz.  My daughter’s life may depend upon it.

Paul Meunier
Ham Lake