I think the first time I seriously tried was around 17yrs old... I tried to overdose on sleeping pills, but I just vomited and passed out for awhile. woke up after and had to clean up my mess...
I grew up in a very emotionally neglectful and abusive family (sometimes even physically by both parents)... my brother was also a bully to me at times. I still remember the time both my mom & brother ganged up on me, literally telling me I was a useless piece of trash that did nothing for anyone. They completely destroyed my self-esteem, and I don't think I had any left after that.... many times, I wondered why I was even born or alive, when I was just treated like a bother/baggage to everyone around me. My own family couldn't love me, so it was hard to imagine that anyone else would either. Not only that... but, my dad also sexually molested me growing up throughout the years. So, I felt really betrayed and ashamed with a heavy secret. On the outside, we probably seemed like a normal family, but underneath it all, it felt rotten.... This probably contributed to me feeling disconnected from others around me as if I was living in a different reality, and also had a harder time trusting people as easily. I really liked hiding in my room all day, because there was a lock on the door and some privacy... It made me feel safe, because I never knew when someone would suddenly get mad at me or my dad trying to visit. I think it got bad and overwhelming when I was friendless in school, had truancy problems... but I also got punished for something I did - so, my dad conveniently used that opportunity to suggest getting rid of the lock on my door. At that time, my life felt like a swirling black hole, and I just wanted to disappear to stop all my negative feelings/thoughts.
After I failed my attempt, I think I had no choice but to keep trying to live... I focused on doing well in school, so I could get a decent job and eventually move out. The hope to one day get away from my family was a huge motivator..... because I knew that if I couldn't achieve that, I'd probably have CTB.