Newton Teen Hopes Story Can Help Children With Suicidal Thoughts
NEWTON (CBS) – Smiling photos of Emma Lederman surround her Newton home. But they don't tell the whole story of her childhood.
"I got very involved with self-harm when I was seven and I didn't know what it was at the time. But I learned and I got pretty hooked on it and had a lot of suicide attempts," Emma told WBZ-TV.
Emma says her anxiety, even at that young age, sent her into a deep depression.
"Middle school was a living hell for me," she recalls.
Nancy, Emma's mom, said her daughter's struggles were also difficult for her as a parent.
"It's a horrible thing not to know what your child is feeling. It's awful. It's a nightmare for a parent until you can finally get on the same page and say 'OK this is what we need to do,'" Nancy said.
But many parents don't get that chance.
Between 2010 and 2012, 52 kids took their own life in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Public Health.
For the Ledermans, it took therapy and home schooling for Emma and her parents to get on the same page. Instead of self-harm, Emma, now 16 years old, learned to self-improve through writing.
"Basically it is my recovery. It's my therapy. It's everything," she said.
Emma has written countless stories including the novel "Fragile."
"My book... it saved me. There's no way I could get through without it. It honestly changed my entire life," Emma said.
The book follows four teenage girls with their own secrets, not far from Emma's own journey. She hopes to see it published someday to help other kids just like her.
"Whatever you are going through, it's not forever and there is an option. And there are people who care," Emma urges.
For the girl who once couldn't be separated from her mom, she's now considering college in California.
Emma's mom, Nancy, says their real life story could be a warning for other families.
"In a blink of an eye you can lose your child by not paying attention. So, listen carefully. Be there for them," said Nancy.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call one of the 24-hour crisis hotline numbers below right away:
- Samaritans Statewide Hotline: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255); Press # 1 if you are a Veteran. Information can also be found online.
- The Trevor Helpline: 866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386) Or visit the group's website, which is specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and young adults.
- Emergency Services Program Statewide Directory: Every Emergency Service Program provides behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention and stabilization services, 24 hours per day/7 days per week/365 days per year. Visit the state website for more information.
All this information can also be found on the state's Health and Human Services website.
