They say this is the supposed to be the happiest period of our lives. They say these moments are the most carefree times of our lives. They claim these moments will become our most precious memories, where we make friendships for life and keep promises forever.

Then, tell me, why are all those around me trying to commit suicide? Why are they suddenly breaking down in tears for no apparent reason? Committing acts of self-mutilation? Why are they telling me that death would be better than what they're going through now? Hmm? Please enlighten me. I'd like very much to know.

Seriously now. Why? At this time, we're supposed to be on top of the world. We're supposed to be leading the most perfect lives. We're supposed to be having fun, for the gods' sakes, fun. We aren't supposed to be sobbing our hearts out, cutting ourselves; 'to feel', or well, even worrying!

Times have changed. Odd, how, in my parents' time, even with all those upheavals that accompanied Singapore as it fought for its independence, they and their classmates were happy. Happy. H-A-P-P-Y. Even though they never did have the luxuries that we have now, they were happy.

Sadness, of course, cannot be avoided. Sadness is a feeling, an emotion. It's natural for people to feel sad. Yes, I know this. But, to be sad or depressed to the point where they're contemplating suicide? Now, that is what I call alarming. To be sad because you failed to pass a test. Yes, that's normal, obviously. It's human instinct. But to cry everytime you receive a piece of marked homework? I don't know.

But then again, I can't exactly say it's wrong to be depressed, because, well, it isn't wrong. No, not wrong. But, well, to have so many people of the same age, in the same school, depressed all the time, is just a little disconcerting.

None of my parents' generation, or, if so, then only a minority of them, ever thought of suicide. To them when they were my age, suicide was probably something rather far-fetched, something dark and ominous, not to be taken lightly. But, nowadays, suicide speaks of an easy way out of life's troubles, or an escape. A method of escapism, of leaving, forgetting, only, this time, it's forever, eternity. And suicide stares us in the face. Are we too competitive? What about the time that girl was so desperate she changed her PSLE score? School life here is about work and achievement. Class or school spirit is rarely mentioned, except when we are at races or events where we must win. Are we too competitive? Think of the number of students who have committed suicide over the years over bad results. Too serious? How many boys do you see out and about these days, playing games in the park? Too safety conscious? Or is it just me?

I wonder why my parents' generation never thought of suicide. Too busy? Or rather, too busy enjoying life? I wonder. Perhaps the education system needs an overhaul. Perhaps we place too much emphasis on getting good results amd have too many material goals. So much so that we push all other goals and promises aside; goals that can't be seen, intangible, because only certificates matter.

I don't know. I thought the support network here was strong enough. Looking at the way things work here, one could have an entire 'family' in school! Overseas, there's no such thing as that, there are only 'bloodsisters'. Is this network of very close friends enough? If it is, why are so many people breaking down, self-mutilating, threatening with suicide?

Are we too spoilt? Do we take our 'home nest' for granted, that it will always be there to solve our problems for us? So much so that our tolerance level is extremely low? So low that we sometimes give up at the smallest bump or scratch, and can't take too much pressure? If toddlers did that, how would they ever learn to walk?

If we do that, if we fall back onto the cushion of 'home', ran back to our mothers' laps everytime something goes wrong, when will we ever learn to walk free of our mothers' apron strings? Unless you're happy there?

How will they learn if they're too frightened to try? To reach out? How will they start living again without opening up?

Maybe we just need to adapt.

You decide, it's your life, not mine.

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