TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I've been searching for a place to finally talk about this and get it off my chest. Two years ago I began experiencing feelings towards another girl. These feelings were very strong and I was almost obsessed with her. I am extremely ashamed of this. I didnt choose to feel this way and I wish I didnt have to. None of my friends are going through this so I have no one to talk to. I also have cut myself many times. I havent really identified why I cut, but its usually either to relieve anger. Or when I feel like my world is falling apart. I'm just so upset about my feelings towards people of the same gender as me. Cutting relieves the pain. I feel really alone and I just want some help. =[

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
I'm really glad that you reached out to us. We're here whenever you need to talk- especially if you feel like you can't talk to anyone else about something. I want you to know it is OK to have feelings or even being attracted toward people of the same sex. It seems like you feel lonely and need someone to talk to. Is there anyone at all in your life that you feel you can trust to confide in? Maybe a family member, a friend that you trust, or a school counselor? It might be healthy to relieve yourself by talking about your issues.

Unfortunately, there is kind of a stigma about same sex attraction so most teens don't talk about it openly. I know this because we get a lot of calls here about that. So even though you may feel alone there are lots of other teen dealing with that same issue. Just because you're attracted to another girl doesn't necessarily mean you're gay either. If you want to talk to a teen who has dealt with a similar issue you might want to call the Trevor line at (800-850-8078)
If you want to keep your feeling to yourself that's up to you, but just remember feeling aren't good or bad, they just are.

It seems like you understand that there is an underlying reason for cutting. Cutting is not the way to solve your problems. I understand that you feel like it is relieving your pain. But in reality, it is causing so much more harm in your life. Cutting involves many serious risks factors from infection to accidental death. I'm concerned about you. There are healthier ways to help alleviate your anger. Is there anything you enjoy doing, such as art, playing music, playing sports, or extra-curricular activities? These might be a good way for you to exercise your stress in a positive way. I hope that everything works out for you.

If you want to talk about this more, feel free to call us 1-310-855-HOPE (4673) from 6-10pm PST daily or try our Live Chat. If you would rather talk to a specific Self-Injury Hotline, you can call Safe Alternatives at 1-800-366-8288. They are open 24 hours and you can also go on the website at www.selfinjury.com. Also, if you'd like to talk about your feelings toward people of the same gender, you can call The National Gay and Lesbian Hotline at 1-888-843-4564. They are open Monday through Friday from 1pm-9pm and Saturdays from 9am-2pm. or you can visit the website at www.ginh.org.

Thanks for e-mailing us,
A TEEN LINE Listener