Help

Hello
I've been seriously contemplating suicide for a while now. Ever since I entered high school, grades have controlled my life. I'm now a junior, and I am failing multiple classes, beyond repair. My family doesn't know about the grades or the depression and it would ruin me to tell them either. I can't help think that my life is over because with these grades I can't get into a college, and I won't have a successful life with out college. Everything feels like it's collapsing on top of me. I feel so lost and anything you guys could say to help would be hugely appreciated

I have found it sad seeing how much pressure is put on our young people in school these days. Bad grades DO NOT mean your life is doomed. The important thing is to learn from both your successes and failures. Use the bad grades to figure out your weaknesses and strengths. Are there certain subjects you do not enjoy? (Don't study them anymore after you complete high school unless they are just a minimal prerequisite.) Do you need to put more systems in place to cope with your weaknesses. (I can be absentminded {ADHD?} so I have always constantly made lists, used a calendar, hung my car keys on a peg next to my door for more than 35 years, etc.) And I DO NOT think everyone needs a standard 4 year degree. My mom only took a few college courses and she had more brains and common sense than my dad, brother, sister and I (we all have advanced degrees--more than just bachelor's degrees). My dad dropped his good paying job in the city when I was in elementary school to move to the mountains and become an entrepreneur, it was my mom's business instincts that made them a success. My dad still talks about the specific "moves" that she pushed him to do (in business contracts and such) that made the difference between success and failure.
I know telling your parents will be hard and I hope they don't overeact but some bad grades might even help you in the long run. Sometimes when everything is easy, we don't become as aware of how to work to overcome things in our lives. Life has a lot of ups and downs. It is important to figure out how to come back after you are down. These bad grades may help you learn this lesson. I know school is not easy! Please try not to panic (I panic all the time) and hang in there.

I am glad you posted this--please reach out to your school counselor, friends, and keep posting. Of course, tell your parents (but I can tell that telling your parents bad news is what you are really avoiding--sometime we think about suicide because it is actually easier to think about death than the things that are really troubling us). If you think you might act on it--it is crucial that you tell someone. Please read this link: How To Help Yourself Get Through Depression on a Day-To-Day Basis plus the related links (more depression links) having to do with suicide. I made an attempt and it may be my biggest regret in my entire life! I really wish I had not gone and done that but I can't ever take it back. Please don't do what I did!

Look, bad grades are just that: grades. When you're out of high school, you realize how much bull ***** it all was.
You could be different, but a large part of my sudden failings had to do with my mental illnesses; one of those being depression. Your mental health is by far your most prominent concern. Who knows, if you get the help you need for your depression, maybe those grades will improve.
You're life's not over, it's just beginning.

I'm sorry you are having a rough time right now, but everyone is right when they say "it's just grades". I struggled all the way through high school, but I made it and it didn't stop me from having a full and fruitful life.

Talk to your school counselor or call a suicide hotline, but know that you still have a lot of time to make things right.

I'm posting again because I told my parents about the grades and after talking for a few hours we made a plan and I feel so much less alone now. Thank you guys for the advice I really needed it.