Self Destruction



































There is a painful world in the minds
of many young women and men in this country.
There is a nightmare that doesn't end with any sunrise.
There are many names for this devastating issue,
And not one of them does justice to expressing the horror
of living a life filled with self - hatred.

Are you among the suffering thousands who fear food?
We at PEB sincerely hope you are not, for the world of anorexia and bulimia are a self - imposed hell for countless numbers of people around the world.

Anorexia and bulimia are most often identified primarily as a problem for teenage girls.
However, this cruel distortion of one's self image knows no bounds in regards to age.
Nor does self - hatred discriminate based upon gender.

In males, the disorder is more often the Adonis Complex,
a psychologically unhealthy obsession with being physically fit.

Just as their female counterparts never see a thin person in the mirror,
these men never see an attractive figure in the mirror.

It is a way of thinking that keeps many Americans enslaved to the local gym.
The Adonis Complex is easily overlooked due to the apparently healthy results;
that exterior image, however, is a stark contrast to the sadness that resides
within the minds of such persons. 

Self mutilation, or the act of purposefully injuring one's self, is another form of self - hatred
which is a terrifying reality for many depressed individuals of all ages.

Always try to take note of the mental health of your friends, family, and most of all, yourself. 
There is no need for anyone to suffer at their own hand. 
There is never any justification for such a frightening world of distorted self images.

Please, if you are battling any form of self - hatred, seek assistance of some sort.
It isn't a sign of weakness;
It is a sign of seeking the light that does exist at the end of every tunnel.

You deserve to be happy,
And the world deserves to be your home,
Not the grave.

If you or a person you know is anorexic, bulimic,
or is practicing self mutilation / torture of any form,
please contact that person and express your concern for their life.

Please don't hesitate to intervene in the illness of a loved one;
Self - hatred of any form is a deadly disease, and yet so treatable. 

Please encourage any such individual in your life to contact a local mental health agency for the support and counseling that they deserve, for the happiness that we all have a right to.

It is a step towards achieving happiness that self - torture has never and will never attain.

In Augusta County, the telephone number for the local Community Services' Board is: 
(540) 887 - 3200

Literature Section From all of us at PEB, thank you for reading this letter,
and please do be vigilant in watching for the signs of self - torture among your loved ones.