15 year old, Female, VA

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My best guy friend in the whole entire world is thinking about suicide. I dont kno if hes serious or not. Shud i bring his parents into this ? Or wait until i know for sure if he means it ?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Dear G_____,
Thank you for emailing TEEN LINE. That must be so frightening knowing that your friend has been having these thoughts and confusing about what to do to help. Even if you don’t know how seriously your friend is considering suicide it’s so important that you be safe and tell someone about it. If you’re worried about telling his parents then could you possibly talk to a school counselor or another adult that you trust? If you’re concerned that friend might get mad at you I completely understand but it’s so much better to have him mad at you than to risk something worse happening. I’d really like you to give these numbers to your friend to call, the first is the National Suicide Hotline, it’s open 24 hours a day and the number is 877-727-4747. The second is our number here at TEEN LINE, we’re open 6 to 10 pm pst and our number is 310-855-4673. I really hope that things get better with your friend and it’s wonderful that he has someone like you there to support him.
Best wishes,

a TEEN LINE teen

17 year old, Female

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
What would you do if you were constantly being harassed and abused by one of your ‘ex-friends’ at school and Online and the whole argument has gone way to far and is now at the point where your school principle and their mother are involved and have blamed the whole thing on you when really you’re the victim? Please don’t say go to your parents or family because I have tried that and they didn’t really help…. :/

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
I am so glad you contacted TEEN LINE. Wow, that sounds like a really difficult situation. That must be so frustrating and hurtful. Bullying, and even cyber bullying, happens a lot and it is important that you know you are not alone. It sounds like you are overwhelmed by all this and that you really want it to be over. Understandably, you are upset that you are being blamed, when in fact you have done nothing wrong.
You said you are not willing to talk to your parents and I wonder if there is someone who would be willing to talk to instead, maybe your school guidance counselor or a teacher you get along with. It could be really beneficial to talk to someone about how you are feeling, especially someone involved in your school. You might want to try writing in a journal, it could really help you express all you emotions. Maybe you could also temporarily limit your online activity with the goal of taking yourself out of the situation of possibly being bullied online. This will give you a chance to recover from all these hurtful feelings.
I also encourage you to call us here at TEEN LINE. Our number is 310 855 4673 and we are open from 6 to 10 pm PST. Or you can chat with us at www.teenlineonline.org.

a TEEN LINE teen

15 year old, Female, KY

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I’ve been called fat for as long as I can remember, and now it just keeps stinging. I have a boyfriend that thinks I’m fine the way I am, but I can’t shake all the comments I get. I’m depressed and have contemplated suicide… I need help.

TEEN LINE WROTE:

Hi H____,
Thanks for contacting TEEN LINE! It takes a lot of courage to reach out and ask for help. I can imagine it must feel really hurtful to be called fat, especially when it’s been going on for a while now. Its understandable that it would be difficult to just ignore all those comments…it sounds like you have a really loving boyfriend though who might be a good person to talk to and turn to for support.
I am really concerned about the fact that you have contemplated suicide and I am wondering if you have told anyone about these thoughts. It can be really helpful to talk to someone about everything you’re going through so you don’t have to feel alone with it. Talking to someone can also help make the emotions not feel so big and overwhelming and can help you feel supported. Maybe you can talk to a relative, school counselor or another trusted adult? Also, Hayley, if you are feeling suicidal, I want to give you the Suicide Prevention Hotline, which is open 24-hrs a day. You can reach them at (877) 727-4747. It is really important that you call them and reach out for support if you are feeling suicidal or if you experience any suicidal thoughts.
We are also always here to listen and help in any way we can at TEEN LINE from 6-10pm (PST) and would love to hear from you! You can reach us at (310) 855-4673. If you feel more comfortable, you can also live chat with one of our teens during the same hours at www.teenlineonline.org.

a TEEN LINE teen

15 year old, Female, US

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have an eating disorder. This is the first time I have ever admitted it.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi J___, thank so much for reaching out to us at TEEN LINE. It’s really brave of you for admitting that you have an eating disorder, and I understand how difficult it must be to feel like you have to have to hold that in. I know that it may seem incredibly uncomfortable, and scary to tell people about it, but ultimately it’s really important to get help and support, as it can feel lonely to not have anyone to talk to about something that is very prevalent in your life. I can give you the National Eating disorder association, who’s number is 800-931-2237. They can refer you to different types of help and support groups, where you can get professional help, while also being able to talk to people going through similar experiences. Also, I can give you the number to Over-eaters anonymous, which will refer you to the nearest 12 step program in your area. Their number is 323-653-7499. It really does seem like you have a lot more to say. Have you ever considered talking to a family member, close friend, trusted adult, or even a school counselor? Please, call or chat with us here at TEEN LINE as an opportunity to talk to another teen like yourself about all that is going on in your life. Our number is 310-855-4673, and we are open every day from 6-10 PM PST.

a TEEN LINE teen

15 year old, Female, US

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Am i just being a regular teenager or do i need help? Everything is just tooo overwhelming these days. Life is being so repetitive and routine, school-sleep-eat-movies-school etc..I cant take it anymore, i have super strict parents so trying to do something spontaneous or rebellious is out of the question if i want to have a home. I cry practically every time i come back from somewhere with my friends just because it was soooo..normal, like deja vu. Sometimes i want to overdose on some pills, cut myself’, run away, anything!!, just to make my life more interesting. Am i just being a regular teenager or is there something i can do about it. im sick of feeling so lost and drowned in my thoughts. Im 15 and a girl if it makes any difference

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi M____,
I’m so glad that you contacted us here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated because your life is feeling like a routine, as well as anxious about your parents limiting your options. It also sounds like you’re feeling depressed and lost by the sadness you’re feeling in your life. It can be hard to deal with depression, but it can be even harder to deal with it alone. I’m wondering if there’s anyone you could talk to about your situation, such as a trusted teacher, relative, family friend, or school counselor. Sometimes talking to someone can help you put your situation into perspective, as well as help you weigh your options and come to terms with your emotions. You mentioned wanting to do things to make your life more interesting. It seems like you really want a relief from the overwhelm you’ve been feeling lately. Self-harming might bring temporary relief, but it doesn’t solve the problem and can evolve into a very dangerous habit. http://self-injury.net/ would be a good website to visit if you’re thinking about self-harming, as well as alternatives you can use. You also mentioned feeling like you want to overdose. Sometimes, when life gets too boring and overwhelming, it can be hard to carry on. I just want to let you know that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. It seems to me that you really want to feel more alive and get through your depression, but suicide only takes away your life and makes it impossible to better. I want to give you a number that might help if you’re ever feeling smothered by thoughts of suicide. The number is to the Suicide Prevention Hotline, a hotline set up to help prevent suicides around the country. The number is (877)-727-4747. In your email, you talk about how you really want to feel alive and that you’re sick of the dejavu you’ve been feeling. I’m wondering if there’s anything you did before that made you feel happy. Sometimes when you’re feeling in a better mood, it may be easier to do some activities you used to do, or even pick up some new hobbies. I really hope things get better for you. If you want to talk to a fellow teen some more about your situation, TEEN LINE is open seven days a week from 6 to 10 PM PST. Our number is (310) 855-4673. We also have a live chat option on our website: www.teenlineonline.org. We are here to listen.

a TEEN LINE teen

17 year old, Female, WA

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
To keep a long, long issue short… I’m one of those GLB people, except I don’t know which. I seem to be sexually attracted to women and romantically attracted to men. What the hell am I? Do I have any chance for a normal relationship? Also, my family is very religious and I go to a Catholic high school, so even if I do figure out what I am, I don’t know how I would come out. I think my mom would support me, but I’m afraid my dad would freak out, and I know my grandparents would be really hurt. I’m not religious, but I don’t want them to know that either. Please help me or at least let me know if you read this. It’d be nice to know that someone can hear me.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi K____. Thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are really confused right now, and it also seems you are afraid of being rejected by your family. I want you to know that it is normal to have attractions for men and women, and what you are going through can be very confusing because sexuality isn’t always clear. There are some great resources out there that can help you to figure out your sexual orientation, and they can talk about the coming out process because that can be really scary. I’d like to give you the number for the GLBT National Youth Talk Line. It is a hotline that specializes in helping teens just like you that are experiencing similar issues. You can call (800) 246- 7743 Monday through Friday from 1 pm – 9 pm PST, and also on Saturdays from 9 am – 2 pm PST. Also I encourage you to call us at TEEN LINE to talk to a trained teen who will listen to you and support you. The number for TEEN LINE is (310) 855- 4673 and the line is open every day 6 pm – 10 pm. Thanks again for contacting us. I wish you luck.

a TEEN LINE teen

17 year old, Female, PA

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Hi my name is N____ and I lost a good friend of mine in April of this year and I have been dealing with it without any help but now with me soon starting college in July 2011 I’m finding the stress of starting college and the dreams and thoughts that I have about losing my friend have driven me into a little bit of insanity what should I do so that when I start getting ready for college so I don’t get overwhelmed with the pain of thinking about my dead friend

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, I’m glad that you contacted us here at TEEN LINE. Understandably so, losing your friend has greatly affected you, and I give you my condolences. It sounds like starting college has also been very stressful to you, and this is a very common experience. Grief and loss is a very hard thing to deal with, and it can become unbearably hard if you have to go through it alone. I am wondering if you have someone to talk to, such as a trusted friend, relative, or school counselor. Sometimes talking to someone can help get those emotions out and can keep the stress of dealing with the situation from getting worse. It might also help to do something relaxing, such as exercising, drawing, taking a walk, writing, or listening to music. Often times, doing something relaxing and/or expressive can help manage your emotions and keep them from bubbling up later. This might also ease the overwhelm you’re feeling about college. If you ever want to talk more about this situation, TEEN LINE is open seven days a week from 6 to 10 PM PST. Our number is (310)-855-4673. We are here to listen. a TEEN LINE teen

a TEEN LINE listener

17 year old, Female, GA

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
ok so i am in 12th grade and i have been lesbian since 6th grade and well my parents just found out this year and they were so pissed. they said that i was sick in the head and was ruinin my life. so i had to convince them that im not a lesbian but the truth is i still am and i hate lyin to my parents i dont know wat to do.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, thanks for contacting us here at TEEN LINE. I can understand why you might feel frustrated because you feel you’re forced to lie to your parents especially about something that is an important part of you. I would also understand if you felt degraded because your parents don’t want to accept you for who you are. Have you talked to anyone about this? A friend, trusted adult, or school counselor? Talking can be a great way to work through an issue. Maybe you could look at the resources at your local gay and lesbian center or pflag (parents and friends of lesbians and gays). They might be able to help you help your parents accept you for who you are; some centers have a group your parents can go to that may help them come around to the idea of you being open about your sexuality. If you’re seeking more support, maybe you could think about calling The Trevor Project at 800-850-8078. The Trevor Project is an LGBT support hotline that may be able to give you support with your parents. The listeners there have been through similar situation and can give you more personal guidance. Also, you can always feel free to call us here at TEEN LINE. We’re open from 6-10pm PST at (310)-855-4673, and you could chat with us at teenlineonline.org.

a TEEN LINE listener

18 year old, Female, TX

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I need help with pregnancy

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thanks for reaching out to us here at TEEN LINE. Pregnancy can be really scary to go through alone, so it’s really important that you have someone that you trust and feel comfortable talking to such as a close friend, trusted adult, school counselor, or relative. The only way to know whether you’re pregnant or not for sure though is by getting a pregnancy test at a local drugstore, or seeing a doctor at a clinic such Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is a great place to go because they can give you pregnancy test and afterwards they can also help you discuss your options. If you don’t feel comfortable calling them immeidiatly you can search their website at www.PlannedParenthood.org. On their website you can also find a Planned Parenthood near you. If you ever need someone to talk to please don’t hesitate to call us here at TEEN LINE between 6 and 10 PM pst at 310-855-4673.

a TEEN LINE teen

14 year old, Female

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I think I have depression, all my friends seem to get tired of me being quiet and sad a lot. So my friends are just ignoring all my signs because there incinsiderate btchs I really just want to end it all and I dont know how to stop this feeling.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey E____, Thanks for reaching out to us here at TEEN LINE. It was really brave of you. Dealing with depression without support would be difficult for anyone to go through alone. I’m sorry to hear that your friends aren’t noticing your signs the way you want them to as well. I’m really worried about your safety though because you mentioned that you wanted to “end it all”. At TEEN LINE we say that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. As low as you’re feeling right now, there are people who want to help and support you through everything you’re going through. Whether it be relative, trusted adult, school counselor or therapist, things can change and talking to someone is a great way to release all of your emotions and not feel so alone. I’m wondering whether you’ve considered telling your friends about how you’re really feeling as well. Sometimes people don’t notice things the way we want them to, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t care. A great place to call if your suicidal thoughts ever become too overwhelming is The Suicide Prevention Hotline, open 24hrs a day at 877-727-4747. They are there to talk to you about how your feeling and offer any support that they can give to you. TEEN LINE’s here for you as well between 6 and 10 PM PST at 310-855-4673 so please don’t ever hesitate to call if you need another teen to talk to.

a TEEN LINE teen