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