TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have a problem with how i look at myself in the mirror. I am not depressed but i think sometimes that if i don't eat a little and i lose a couple of pounds maybe i'll be acceptable to the world. I also get these feeling like i am fat and i hate wearing clothes that show my stomach or my legs. I also think that sometimes i hate myself and when i take pictures i feel as though i'm not pretty or i feel like i am quazmoto from hunchback and that someone should just hide me from the world. I would really like to stop feeling like this and would like to feel pretty. How do i do this?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
It must feel pretty lonely to feel that you need to be hidden from the rest of the world, like the Hunchback of notre dame. One thing that does happen at the end though is that everyone loves him and accepts him for who he is. I know this might be very difficult, but if you are able to love yourself and respect yourself for who you are, then you might find more happiness. Have you not been eating so much in order to lose wieght? Not eating is not a healthy and happy solution to losing wieght. Do you weigh a lot relative to your height? I feel like in order to clearly help you I need to see your whole situation. You sound really sad, but you also sound like you want things to change. Have you talked to a trusted friend or adult, such as parents or a school counselor, about the situation? They might be a ble to help you feel better and at least get your feelings out. You can also try doing things you like to help you feel happier about yourself, like hobbies.

We would also love to talk to you. Our phone number is 1800-852-8336 or 310-855-4673. We are open from 6pm to 10pm PST. If you feel you might want talk to a specialized person about eating disorders, you can call the National Eating Disorder Association at (800)931-2237. You sound like a really nice person and I would love to talk to you.

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