TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have a lot of things, so I always feel bad about feeling bad. I just switched schools, and I thought I had a friend, but he said he didn't want to be friends because he was moving away. He said it in a way that made me feel terrible. I tried to find other friends, but it's scary. I have to eat lunch in my subschool alone in the copy room. I'm really upset and I feel like crap. Now i'm always tired, and i'm just existing in life and it really upsets me. I'm always thinking about how if i cut or something i'd feel better, but I just can't do it. I'm just so tired of having nothing to do. I can't do any physical activites because I have leg problems. I'm just so upset all the time and I hate it.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey!

First of all I'm very pleased you contacted us because it sounds like you're going through a tough time. It sounds like you're under a lot of stress, and it can be really hard to find a good way to deal with all of that. But cutting is definitely not a good solution. Switching schools and trying to make new friends can seem really scary and I'm sorry that the person you thought was your friend was not so nice to you. Since you're unable to do any kind of physical activity, maybe you could get involved in some of the clubs at your new school. That could be a really good way to spend your time and to make friends that are interested in some of the things you are. Is there anyone you are close to that you could talk to about some of the things you're feeling, like a family member or school counselor? I'm worried about you and I don't want you to feel hopeless or like you have to turn to something like cutting in order to feel better.

I'm going to give you the number of the Safe Alternatives Hotline which you can call 24 hours of the day; they offer support to people who cut. That number is (800) 366-8288.
Also give us a call! We are open from 6-10 PM PST every night of the week, and our number is (310) 855-4673 or (800) 852-8336 if you live inside California. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

TEEN LINE