TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Hi, I'm a very shy girl and I have self confidence problems. Almost all the time I'm worried about how I look and everything bothers me about my physical aspect. I always talk about it with my parents sometimes their words help me but I still feel bad. Next year I want to go to acting and singing lessons, because I want to be an actress or a singer. I enjoy doing that, but I usually do them at home because I'm too shy to do them in front of people. All that is because my self confidence problems. I really want to solve my problem but I don't know how! I hope you could help me! Thanks.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, thank you for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are feeling very vulnerable. Being a teenager is not easy and I want you to know that you are not alone in how you feel. It is so great that you have your parents helping and supporting you through this. For dealing with stage fright, it is important to take it step by step. Right now, it may seem impossible to overcome this, but stepping out of your comfort zone is very helpful for this and that in time you will become more comfortable doing things that were not in your comfort zone. Have you ever taken acting or singing lessons? Have you ever tried singing and acting in front of a large group of people? It might be helpful for you to talk to a school counsler or a therapist about your self-esteem issues and helping it to grow. You might want to try talking to the singing/acting teacher at school about this. That person may be able to help you and provide ideas or excersices to be able to overcome this. I encourage you to call in to TEEN LINE and talk about this more. The number is 1 (310) 855-4673 or 1 (951) 826-4673.

-TEEN LINE