The tragedy in Chardon schools raises in us the horrible feelings of loss of loved ones and the loss of safety.  We love our children; their loss is painful and deeply felt by all of us.  Adolescence is sometimes a difficult time in the life of teens, and deep feelings can be stirred up by hurts both real and imagined.  While many of us are closely connected to others, some are not; and this message is directed to them.Many of us spend time alone with our thoughts and our only connection to others may be a computer or other device.  We need to be mindful that without open connections to others our thinking goes unchecked.  If you are feeling that the world would be better if you were not in it, then you need to reach out to others and talk to them about this.  There are many people around - parents, teachers, counselors and the professional community  - who will work with you.  If you are feeling that your anger and hurt are so great that you might hurt others, then, again, you have the responsibility to reach out - talk to others who can help you deal with your hurt and anger.All the great western religions have some ideas in common that unite us.  They ask us to love God, and in doing so we are attached to a loving other whom we can call upon.  We are also asked to love our fellow man.  This means that we cannot bring our hurt onto others as if that would pay for what was done to us.  It just doesn’t work that way.  If you find you would like to speak with someone who will be objective and helpful, and who will respect your privacy, please consider calling CARES, the consultation and referral service of the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center at 216-229-5959 ext. 123. One of the members of our Center will call you back to discuss your concerns.  This is important because you are important.  Call us. David I. Falk, PhDPresident, Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center