Thank You

Some people say don't run a Nonprofit Organization because you won't get paid. They were wrong. For three years I was "paid," not with money but with "Thank You Julie" as you will see below. If I helped one person that's fantastic, if I helped one person stay alive, I did what I was put here to do. Some don't understand what I mean when I say "don't thank "me" thank God as he worked through me." I am proud of this website and what its accomplished, but I only did what God wanted me to do. It has been the most wonderful and amazing blessing I have ever had.

What's so wonderful about the internet, is the fact you can talk to people anywhere in the world! Also, because of the internet, you can open up and talk to me without ever having to look at me, tell me your name or pay me. It's completely anonymous and hopefully this will give you the strength to know you are not alone and to open up to a real person where you live. For obvious reasons I have not included very many names.

Thank you to all who have given me the strength to continue my passion. Thank you and God Bless you all! Julie

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Wednesday 12/18/2002

Dear Ms. Flynn,

I just wanted to say thank you for putting “illstandbyyou” website together.

I saw you on KARE11 News and almost stopped in my tracks. There are so many kids out there that need help and I hope your website offers that to them (even just one of them).

There are so many different people in this world today and we should all embrace the differences instead of trying to be the same.

As a now adult gay male in a world of so much hatred, I have been through much of what your website tries to help. I have seen the darkness and somehow made it through the roughest years of maturing. I truly believe that kids keep so much deep inside of them. They try to answer their own questions with answers that should never be taken (like suicide).

I'm glad that someone is trying to help in a way that keeps their identity private until they are willing to step out of the darkness and into the light.

Thank you for being their leader.

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I’m not a teenager or a young adult, I’m 40 years old, but your website illstandbyyou.com saved my life. Thank you. Thank you so very, very much. Chris F.

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Hi Julie,

Firstly I would like to congratulate you on a great website. It has been used by both myself and many friends who have suffered from depression etc. With the help of your site I think that I am on the road to recovery now.

Anyway, thanks for the website and keep up the brilliant work.

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Hi Julie,

I recently lost my son and just found out he was Bipolar. This seems to be the newest term for a severe depression. I had him in Drug Rehab Treatment 3 times and he went to a 12 month psychiatric boarding school in Utah for 4 years until he graduated. No one had ever mentioned Bipolar to me.

If I had even suspected that he was that deeply depressed, we could have pursued more and different treatments sooner.

I probably would have never been able to stop his suicide, but at least he would have been on medication long before he actually was and just may be that could have helped him.

He smoked marijuana and mixed with the depression, was lethal for him. For the depression they had put him on Depacote & Zyplexa, but he wouldn’t give it time to get it into his system.

Please make people aware of Bipolar. Thank you!!!! T….mother of Will May 8, 1970 – August 22, 2001

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Julie,

Hi! I’m a mom and I want you to know that I am very very concerned about my daughter. I have gotten her an appointment at the Guidance Center this week and will help her in any way I can. I love this child deeply and it would frankly kill me if anything would happen to her. I’m trying my very best to help her but I feel so – I don’t know – frustrated? Helpless? I’m crying right now as I write this because she means so much to me and I don’t know what else to do. Yes I’ve hidden all my medication from her and will do anyting else I have to in order to protect her from herself. I wish I knew what the answer is. I’m sorry I’m babbling. Thanks for listening.

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This is a very beautiful website.

You have shown me a path from which I had strayed away for some time. You have shown me beautiful things and hope.

I am going through depression and have caused a lot of pain to myself and my loved ones.

I think you have saved me from getting worse. You do not know what a great thing you have done.

Thank you and May God Bless you

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Hey, I just was messing around and i found this site. Thanks for putting something like this up. I know when I get suicidal I tend to forget about those who care, and this came in at the right moment, because it made me remember about those who care.

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Wednesday 12/18/2002 Denver, CO

The world needs more champions like you!!

I have suffered from the big D for more than 12 years; symptoms probably affected me before the actual diagnosis occurred. Kids have such great energy that it is very difficult to spot. In retrospect my early experimentation with drugs and alcohol were to boost/cover-up a lack of self-worth. I was bright, popular, athletic, but an underachiever. Good wishes with the future funding so as to continue a most valuable service.

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Sunday 09/15/2002 British Columbia.....Canada

I really enjoy this site...it’s really given me a lot more information about all types of depression...facts that I didn’t know until I took the time to read it....it’s given me a place to write and get advice back on what to do....I think this web site was a great idea....it’s helped me out a lot......thanx

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Torreon, Mexico

I love this place. I totally do... and I am always amazed by everything that you do. It is a wonderful place we can all call "home" and wonderful people we can call our "family." I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to get to know you and Im happy to have you in my life. I love you my sweet princess! Thanks for all the help!

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Louisiana

There was a time when everything in my world suddenly started to cave in....I could almost feel the walls closing in on me. I attempted suicide 3 times before I started seeing a therapist...I got help and I am a very healthy happy person living in a good stable home now...and I think this website is awesome and it's definitely a good place to come when you are down. I'd recommend this website to a bunch of my friends cuz I know they'd love it!

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Hey there!

I know I just emailed you about your site but I wanted again to tell you what an aaawwweeesome website you have here.... the site is very well designed and very well written .. you are doing a lot of good for a lot of people ... keep it up!

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I come here every day. i read the stories, and they help me see my way. You see I have a lot of pain stored up, and I find a little of my life in each story so it helps me to get through every day.

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St. Louis, MO

This site is wonderful and it really helped me through my problems. I would recommend it to anyone who is suffering from depression.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.

Julie,

I have been coming to your site for a while now and I realized that I never signed your Guest Book. Maybe I should take a few minutes and do that now?!?

I just want to say thank you for everything that you have done! Your website is wonderful and so are you!! You are an extraordinary lady who has been blessed with a heart of gold! You have come a long way and have accomplished so much! I am so proud of you!! I wish you continued success and pray that God watches over you! You have touched the lives of many!! Keep up the great work... it is paying off in more ways than you will ever know!!

I Love Ya!!

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Ontario

Julie,

What an amazing site!!! I can't believe I've never been here. I will certainly come back and visit often. Hopefully I'll be approved for the message boards and can help out through there. If you need a hand with them at all, let me know!!!

You're doing awesome work!!! (((SAFE HUGS)))

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May 2001
I am the mother of two children…my son is 15 and my daughter is 13. For a long time now my son has said that he is sad most of the time. I have tried counseling for both of them once and they just didn’t seem comfortable with the counselor.
We have tons of marriage problems and my husband angers very easily. He does not use physical abuse but there is emotional abuse and both kids have tremendous anger towards him.
Maybe due to religious beliefs or just totally afraid to confront the situation I have not left him. My son mentioned to me again tonight that he has thought about suicide many times this past week and he feels hopeless and feels tremendous pressure to do well in school and on the football field (his father has pushed him quite a bit in that area).
I am scared to death and have no idea where to turn. My mother I believe suffered from depression most of our lives and for a time I also turned to my doctor for anti-depressants.
I want my son to be happy and I think I may be able to talk him into seeing someone….could you please help me…if I lost him I would break in two. He is the kindest guy with such a huge heart and I cannot sit by and pray and hope it gets better because it is not. Thank you for your website…I cried the whole time reading it and I still cannot stop the tears.

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St. Anthony, NF Canada

You are to be commended on the work you are doing. One can never measure what you offer and give to these teens and young adults. They are so fortunate to have someone like you. Congratulations on turning your own life around, I am sure it was not easy, yet you persevered. Good for you, and look how many others in need are benefiting from your recovery.

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Sunday 07/23/2000 Tennessee

Hey... I think you're totally awesome

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Sunday 07/23/2000 Poway, CA

Hi Julie, I'm a 17 year old girl with bipolar disorder and psychosis. i have gone through years of trying to get help and things are finally getting better for me. i was in the hospital twice. I haven't self-injured in 6 1/2 months and I'm finally looking forward to waking up each morning. I ran across ur post on the depression board or www.bolt.com and am impressed with ur goal. I think u could help a lot of people and this could be a wonderful thing. i would love to help in some way. I am graduating high school in late January and will have a lot of free time before starting college and was wondering if u need a young staff member or something. i know all ur plans are tentative, and i assure u mine are too, but i wanted to let u know i am interested. i will bookmark ur site and follow the progress and contact u again soon. Thanks for you determination to help teens!

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07/21/2000 Michigan

Hey Julie- I really like your website. Thanks for everything you've done for me. You mean so much to so many people. Good Luck...

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09/3/2001

Dear Julie, You are an angel. I just watched your special on the News tonight. I am a mother of 3 young children, my oldest 13. I just wanted to write and say I think it is great what you are doing. It is so important for everyone to have someone. Thank you, you are a special person. Good luck to you.

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09/4/2001

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself and to let you know that I heard about this site last night on the news. I have 2 teen sons that I love dearly. I showed them this site tonight and asked them to use it as a good resource when they feel like they need to talk and don't feel like they can talk to me or someone else. Thank you for making this site available.

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09/03/2001

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I really admire what you are doing, the time you invest in it and that I find it very inspiring. I've had problems with both myself and friends in the past who've suffered from suicidal tendencies. I'm happy to see people out there giving their own time to help their fellow person. I'll browse your website, it looks very interesting. Wish you the best of luck.

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04/07/2003

This is a very beautiful website. You have shown me a path from which I had strayed away for some time. You have shown me beautiful things and hope. I am going through depression and have caused a lot of pain to myself and my loved ones. I think you have saved me from getting worse. You do not know what a great thing you have done. Thankyou. May God Bless you.

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05/10/2003 Chesterfield, Virginia

Can anyone please help me to get though with this, one of my best friends died, another hates me for omething I said about her(even though I was just kidding), and my mother won’t even talk to me. PLEASE HELP, AND QUICKLY

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02/12/2003 Minnesota

Hey thanks for putting up a site like this. I’ve had history of cutting and stuff, I’ve stopped for about 8 months now and just let people know that there is hope. As of this moment my times are still pretty bad, but cutting definitely doesn’t help in the long run.

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Tennessee

At least now I know who Julie is. All I can say is thanks for doing what you do, and how you do it for the ones who need it the most. Your dedication and hard work pays huge dividends in the lives of those you touch, one kid brother specifically. Just when I think the net is falling into the pits of non caring support, a site like yours, displays its warm powers. Thanks Julie, and god bless you and your family. (Alex's brother)

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New York

Julie, your page is awesome! You rock!!! Just wanted to thank you for all your help and let you know how great I think what you’re doing is. You’re such a caring person and you’ve touched so many people’s lives, including my own. Thanks again!

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Sunday 01/20/2002 Beaverton Oregon

Julie... I love you so much, even though I just met you.. you and your site and all the people on it are so great. Thank you for being so great. I hope to meet you and be able to hang out with a lot of you when I come back to Minnesota.

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Monday 12/31/2001 England

What great site, not to mention all that you do. So much information. Thank you. (Mothers of Survivors)

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Tuesday 12/25/2001

This is a great sight. I’m struggling with SI myself, and it’s a blessing to find all these other people who are too. God Bless all of you, and don’t give up!

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Monday 12/10/2001 Minnesota

Great pages. I thankfully survived my teen years as a whole person. I was depressed and suicidal, but as the saying goes, “time heals all wounds.” And, “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” I’m now 48 years old and glad to be alive. I hope you stay on earth long enough to understand that for yourself. You are loved. Peace.

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Monday 11/26/2001 Tennessee

Julie you *do* realize just how many people you touch, with your awesome strength, and determination??? Each time I come here, it makes me replenish the need in my heart that the net *can* help, and does help, with sites like yours and the dedication of those like yourself. I am very honored you signed my guestbook, and very touched by your words of support.

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Wednesday 11/07/2001

I’m struggling with depression and not getting help yet. I’m having a really hard time and I have no one to talk to. I often times sit in my dorm room and cry. I wanted to talk to one of the teens on your site, but don’t dare to and don’t know what to say if any of you want to write to me first. I’m kinda shy and don’t like to have the first words.

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Florida, USA

Really great page, I will send some of my teen readers here! Stop by and add this URL to the Free-For-All links page at Cool Nurse, it is on the home page and at the bottom of “Today at Cool Nurse”. I will also put your link with the resources on the “Suicide” article and on “Self-Injury” too. I would be happy to send readers to you, the more info and support the better, no one should feel alone out there, but being a teen is not easy. Keep up the great job, if I can be of any help let me know.

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Canada

Hey Julie, I have been meaning to sign this for a long time. I am sure a lot of people have told you this, but you are an amazing person and an inspiration. I think everyone is lucky to have you and I am sure that all of us here appreciate you. Thanks bunches

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Minnesota

Hey I love this sight and your whole program it is an awesome thing that you are doing. I am currently trying to get over my depression, Self Injury and substance abuse problems and occasionally I relapse but this sight gives me hope and I hope I go my longest time now without a relapse even though I am at a very stressful time just starting at a new school. This sight will definitely help me through thanks.

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Southern Minnesota

Hi Julie! I just wanted to tell you that I saw an excerpt on your website on the news. What you are doing is simply amazing. I once battled suicide. I am doing wonderfully now, I am glad that I had friends and family to show their love for me. You are truly amazing and a gift from God. May He bless you and keep you. Take care!

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Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

This site is awesome. Thank you so much Julie and all of her volunteers... I think my life will be saved after all. Keep on being the beautiful people you are.

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Hi, I love your site. I cut myself and even though I cry a lot as soon as I get onto your website, I hope it is helping me.

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Statesboro, Ga

~Hey~.....I really enjoy your page....It has really helped not only me but my best friend who was a cutter and bulimic. She is now doing a whole lot better and enjoys her life as a teenager. Thank you so much for caring and thank you for you wonderful site!

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Pennsylvania

This site is very helpful. Knowing that I am not the only one going through this is really helpful. I am 18 and have had depression since I was 17 it does not seem long to those who do not have it but it seems like a life time when it’s you. THANK YOU!!

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California

I lost a friend to suicide this year and have started my own suicide prevention project at my school. This site has given me a lot more knowledge, thank you

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Massachusetts

This site is unbelievable. I loved it.. and I will be visiting it a lot! I’m 15 and am on medication for depression, and my older sister is manic..and my twin is anorexic.. so yea.. we've got a lot going on!!! thanks for sharing all of this with us... its great!!!!!

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I think that this site is brilliant. I'm 16 and have faced many problems in my life I became isolated and fell into depression, I'm still trying to get out of that depression and knowing that there are people out there that are willing to listen may just get me through. I want to thank you for creating such a welcoming and helpful website.

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Bellevue, NE

I would really like to hear from you sometime, but only if you are not busy. I'm a loser anyways.

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Wonderful site! My mom told me about this after she saw it on Kare11 just now. They said that they need Volunteers. I Volunteer! Even though im not that old... 14½ Ok well thank you have a nice day.

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California

I think you all did a great job on this site!!I found it by looking up info on teen depression because im doing a speech for my school District on teen depression and suicide. I'm trying to create awareness and take action, and im glad others are trying to help too!! God Bless you! And for others who are suffering you’re NOT alone!! I to use to be depressed. My prayers will always be with you!!

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Hello, I somehow landed on this very nice site you have created here. I just wanted to leave and note and say I am very thankful there are others out there that care about people and teens with depression. I went through a very rough time as a teenager and I wish I had had someone to talk to rather than leave all my feelings inside, thankfully I got some help on my own and am in a happier place in my life, but anyhow congrats to u 4 thinking of others!!! I write poetry and if you'd like to stop by my site you are welcome to. God Bless!

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My daughter is a member of this group. She sent me an email to let me view this new site. I am looking forward to sharing feelings and struggles with others in very similar circumstances.

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Sunday 02/18/2001 India

Its a very nice page. And the best thing about the page is the motive behind it. Keep the good work going Julie and let me know if I can be of any worth...

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Friday 10/26/2001

Hi Julie A fantastic site!! You are an angel. I really enjoyed talking to you through email!

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