coping with study topics triggering suicidal thoughts?

[Giggyy]

Hello, I am in a predicament because I currently have to do a literary study of Catcher in the Rye which features really heavy themes of suicide and self-harm, it is digging up a lot of old memories for me of remembering how I felt before I attempted to take my own life, it has been very hard for me to read let alone analyze the book due to these themes, the latter half of the book is all about contemplating and planning suicide (at least, thats what I understood it to be), it is very similar to my own thought processes when I was contemplating and planning suicide... the impact on loved ones, what my funeral would be like and how I was going to do it. I don't know what to do, I have to study it as it is in the HSC curriculum but it's so difficult for me to read without the dark thoughts reemerging. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to cope with such triggering content? sorry for such a short post, I just need advice, I can elaborate if necessary in the replies.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Giggyy,

Thanks for sharing your story here with us. We're sorry to hear having to study Catcher in the Rye has brought up heavy thoughts and feelings for you. We can imagine how draining this would cause you to feel and the hindrance this would place on trying to study. You might be able to get an exception from studying the book and be allocated another. Do you have a counsellor at your school? Perhaps you could speak with them about these thoughts and whether you'd be able to read another book? Although, reading a different book to others in the class might also be stressful. 

If you feel it may be helpful, you are always welcome to get in touch with Kids Help Line. They are a confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 25 and under. We’d also welcome you to reach out to our Support Service, which is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport.

We hope that you keep checking back in and let us know how you are going when you feel up to it. We're all here for you.




 

[Aaronsis]

Hi Giggyy

Wow… how horrific. I am so sorry that you have been locked into this situation as it sounds so very triggering and painful. I remember when I was doing VCE we could choose between one of four novels, I am sure if that was an option you not be here posting as bravely as you are.

I am so confused as to why they have only the one novel, especially when the content is so emotional and could be hurtful to many people, those who have lost loved ones to suicide not to mention people who have had thoughts or even those who have made attempts.

I feel though that you really need to call this out with school and ask for either another book option or an exemption. Learning should not be so painful and I don’t even think you would need to declare your own story given the sensitivity of the content.

I am also wondering if you are the only one who is struggling with this as I am sure that there would be others who are not feeling comfortable and the school has a responsibility to care for your best interest.
Oh… welcome too to the forum and for reaching out, I am so glad you have spoken here and to get this off your chest.

I hope to chat some more with you and see what you think about discussing the options for you.

Hugs

Sarah