TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I've been thinking of running away. A few weeks ago my friend tried to commit suicide and since then, ive decided to drop all my relationships because i dont want to be hurt, like i was when she did this to herself. On top of that, I am a very strong believer in God, well was.I don't know what to believe anymore, and that just makes the whole situation worse. And my whole family pretty much hates me.. so i need a place to runaway to in Pennsylvania???

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi,

It sounds like you're going through a lot right now. I'm so sorry that your friend tried to hurt herself last week. Going through that kind of pain of almost loosing a friend sounds like it would be incredibly difficult. Your friend just attempted suicide last week and the emotions you are feeling are very new and it sounds like they are very upsetting for you. You may feel different with time, but I understand that right those feeling must be overwhelming. You said that you wanted to runaway from home. I'm concerned, by running away I feel you might put yourself in a dangerous situation. What kind of things have you been feeling that makes you want to possibly runaway. From what you wrote in the email it sounds like you're dealing with a lot of emotions right now. Maybe you could try talking to your family and explain to them what you've been going through and that you need their support now right, you wrote that your family "hates you right now" but maybe telling them exactly whats going on in your life might help them understand what you're feeling. You could also try talking to a school therapist, trusted teacher or some of your other friends. If you feel like you truly do need to get out of the house, first try to get in touch with either a friend or family member you could stay with for a day or two. But its important you realize that runing away is not a good solution to your problem, and doing so could end up making your problems worse.

Please try to make smart decisions, and i hope your friend gets better. If you feel like you can't I have a number for a hotline that can refer you to shelters in your area: Girls and Boys Town National Hotline 800-448-3000. It will give you referrals as well as hope to help you with issues you and your family may have.

Also feel free to call us at 310-855-4673, we are open from 6pm-10pm PST

-TEEN LINE Listener