TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have two best friends of mine that I hang out with constantly (nearly every day). We like to have fun with each other, but I find myself being the most "unliked" in our group of three. I have been know to be slightly emotional, internally, but I do a good job of hiding, resisting, and overcoming those emotions. Neither of my friends have told me that they don't like me, and I am sure that they do not. However, I have noticed/suspected some things that my other two friends say about me behind my back. They constantly make up nicknames for people as a way to make fun of them, and I recently discovered they have made up a nickname for me. I can not stand people talking shit behind my back, especially my own friends, and more than that, I am pissed that they made up a nickname for me. My questions are: Do I confront my friends about this? Do I call them out on it if they call me this nickname? Do I tell them to stop calling me that; what do I say to them so that they know it makes me angry? In all this, how do I (re)gain respect from my friends? How can I confront them in a way that they take me seriously and so that it does not bring about more teasing?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, thanks for emailing us. It's understandable as to why you're feeling frustrated about your friends. Dealing with relationships in general is difficult. Have you tried to approach your friends about how they're making you feel or asking about it? What about talking to other friends, or family members about how you've been feeling? It might help to talk to other people about things that are going on in your life. If you want you can call TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673, we're open from 6PM to 10PM PST. We'd be glad to discuss different approaches to talk to your friends, or anything else that's on your mind.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Here r some of the feelings i have been getting lately: - Hopeless and like there isnt no point to life - Crying alot - Staying up all nite crying and sleepin through the day - Dont enjoy things i used to - Withdrawing from friends and family - Struggling with self harm - Feeling like no one gives crap about me - Feeling alone - Thoughts of suicide What makes it worse is nothing bad has happened in my life so i get angry at myself for feeling down. I think im depressed? I dnno. I have rang plenty of help lines and they dont help, just tell me things i aleady know. I told my best mate and she just told me to stop acting emo. Mum and dad will just laugh, they dont care. Soo hopefully u guys can help :)

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE.
I'm glad you're able to reach out to people and talk about how you've been feeling. It sounds like you are feeling depressed and could use some support. Is there anybody that you know that would be willing to listen to you ? How about a family member or a school counselor? There is an organization called Safe Alternatives that can help you when you feel like self-harming. Their number is 800-366-8288. There is also the Suicide Prevention Hotline and their number is 877-727-4747 it's open 24 hours a day. You can always call TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 from 6PM to 10PM PST. We'd be glad to talk.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I've been cutting/ self harming for a year and a half now. And I'm stuck. I know self harm 'is bad'. Obviously right, but my situation is, I know it's bad..... but I kind of don't want to stop. What do I do? My best friends are SI-ers themselves. And my 'boyfriend' if I can call him that, has threatened to be more of a jerk... then he already is,if he 'finds out I do'. I'm just really confused. Help....please? :(

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE
I can understand why you're feeling confused. Dealing with cutting is difficult. You're right, cutting is dangerous. Is there anything you like to do, i.e. reading ? Maybe when you feel the urge to cut yourself, you can pick up a book and read? It's difficult to deal with this on your own, and from what it sounds like you're boyfriend isn't very supportive of you trying to stop cutting. Is there anyone you can talk to ? Like a close friend, family member, or a counselor? It might help to talk to them about how you're feeling. There's a hotline called Safe Alternatives and they can help you stop cutting, their number is 800-366-8288 and they're open 24 hours a day. If you need somebody to talk to you can call TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 from 6PM to 10PM PST. We'd be glad to talk.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Every one is teasing me at my school because im bisexual, and they saw me kissing another guy. and now my boyfriend wont talk to me because people keep calling him gay. what do i do?!

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hello, Thanks for contacting TEEN LINE.
It must be really painful to have people calling you names at school. Have you told any one about what has been going on? Maybe a parent or a teacher so they can do something about the situation? It must be upsetting that your boyfriend wont talk to you-- have you thought about maybe writing him a letter or texting him? This way you can say what you want to say without feeling uncomfortable, and he will read it even if he is not directly talking to you at the moment. Feel free to e-mail us whenever you want, we also have a live chat that is totally open to you 6-10 pm Pacific time. I hope that this situation gets better for you.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I really like this guy who is a year younger than me. Most of my friends think he is a good friend. He has been droping hints that there maybe something more than just our friendship. I am very shy, so I am not going to approch him on this topic, should I let him come to me? I have never had a boyfriend before and all I think about is him. Please help! Thanks.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE.
It's understandable that you're feeling confused. Dealing with relationships can be confusing. Have you thought about talking to a close friend, or family member about what's going on ? I know you feel uncomfortable talking to him, but maybe he is uncomfortable too. If you want to talk more you can call TEEN LINE at 1-310-855-4673 from 6PM to 10PM PST. We'd be glad to talk !

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My boyfriend, C_______, and I are in a long distance relationship and he is sweetheart and everything , but I am afraid of cheating issues. I have been with him for like 2 weeks and some odd days, but we have dated 2 times in the past. He says he is committed and I love him to death. Every time I hear his voice or hear his name I like melt... Should I trust him? and what should I do he has cheated on me once in the past, but I love him way to much to loose him?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
sounds like you are feeling a bunch of different emotions and its great that you are opening up and talking about them. It is always hard to trust someone after they have done something to make you feel that they are un-trustworthy, but you mentioned that you have very strong feelings for him. It is good that you are listening to yourself... have you tried talking to him about how you feel? Have you talked to anyone close to you about what is on your mind? You asked if I think you should trust him, but that is something only you can decide. There are many different ways to go about long distance relationships, and i understand the difficulty of the situation. It is imporatnt to talk about the way you feel and what is on your mind, and im really glad you decided to contact us. We are open from 6-10 pm every day of the week, feel free to call us or e-mail us back whenever you want. We are always here for you! Our number is 1 310 855 4673. Hope to hear from you soon!

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
is was rapped and never went to the doctor and i just went and now im 18weeks pregnant

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thank you so much for contacting us here at TEEN LINE. You must be in a very difficult position, but we commend you for reaching out to us to gain support and assistance. You’re probably worried about what happened and what may happen in the future and you may be confused on what to do next. We are glad you contacted us; this is a great place to start. Since you were raped have you thought about reporting what happened? This is vital to make sure the person who raped you doesn’t do it again. Your safety is essential to us. We would love to help you through this and we invite you to please contact us when you get a chance; our number is (310) 855-4673, we are open everyday from 6-10 p.m. There are also other places you may contact. The Rape Assistance and Awareness Program (303) 329-0031, the Rape Crisis/etc. (888) 778-7091, or the Front Range Counseling Center (303) 993-5800. Also, about the pregnancy please contact Planned Parenthood; they will help you through this; their number is (800)-230-7526. This is a very serious issue and we encourage you to please call the numbers we have provided for you. We are looking forward to hearing from you whenever you get a chance.

A TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
WARNING: THIS IS EXTREMLY LONG ok so it goes like this: a guy i know has been in love(like, phyco obsessed love) with me for 3ish years now. earlier on this year he moved town to work on the carnival, thn got out of that n tried to find his mum. he did and he lived with her for a while. then he moved back here. now that is the basic story, but heres how he told me it happend, emotion wise(i dont know whats true- this is what he told me): after i said i wouldn't date him for the zillionth time, he wanted to start over and the carnvial was in town. so he asked around and sumhow joined them. anyhow, he kept thinking of me so he drunk a lot n kept tryn to get with any chik at all to forget me. but after a while he gave up and got sik of it, so he tried to kill himself. bout 5 times. he gave up and left the carnival- life in a mess. then he found his mother he lived with her and she fuked anyone and everyone. he hated her. she just let him stay at her house. he got sick of life after realizing he had noone in this world, tried slitting his wrists and hanging himself. then he rememberd my name so he didnt do it,(but i noticed he had bad scars on his arms) anyhow, after a while he relised he HAD to get to b_______ to be with me, so he told his dad and begged him to let him home. his dad did and pied for a plane.... then he gets to b_________, finds me and goes bak to trying to date me. though he finaly has stoped being all over me. i say no and everything. he gets depressed as. thn today i told him to go home cuz he was just pissing me off. he smashed yup his caravan, cut himself badly and stuff, got REALY drunk and came to my house. NOW to tonight, ill tell you wat happend- ok he ran into my room, coverd in dirt, i yelled, got him outside, sat him down talked. he was crying, realy upset- told me everytrihng i said before. he said today he tried to kill himself but keept thinking off me, and finaly got the courage to come uop here and tell me everything that had happens since he left. so he told me all that, was still crying(fakely i think) and told me all bout how he just wanted to tell me that one last thing before he finally killed himself. BUT heres the worst part. he said the only reson his alive is cuza me. im his everything...blah blah blah.... n he was bout to go jump off the jetty onto rocks n watnot if i didnt like him. i keept saying we can be friends cuz i just dont like him that way(im a lesbian, and honestly have no feelings for him) but i didnt want him dead, so i said that i would date him- but i wasnt gunna touch him or nuthn cuz im not into it. nyhow, now he thinks i like him, im afraid of what he will do. last time we dated, he tried to fuck me anytime we were alone. BUT i dont want him dead and he will kill himself without me. this is all spirling out of control. i have NO idea what to do. im thinking i should take him to a therapist? i donno..... please someone help me,. i know this is long, but theres a lot on my mind right now ok. soz. please help, i dont want another dead body to be my falut, n i dont want to lie for the rest of my life, n i dont fukn wanna have to date or have sex or touch him! PLEASE HELP!!!!! xox d_________

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, wow i am so sorry. you have so much on your hands right now. It seems like you are putting you self in a uncomfortable position to save his life. have you told him that you are lesbian, because as you said before you told him that you weren't into him like that but it did not make a big difference. Do you have any close friends, a trusted adult or a school counselor that you can talk to about this. It sounds like a good idea to refer him to a therapist because he does need help. Since he takes what you say into great consideration maybe if you suggest getting help, he will get some. it is really nice that you care so much about him and that you don't want him to commit suicide but in the end he is not your responsibility. Maybe talking to your parents and asking them for help can help you out. I want to give you the number to the suicide prevention hot line for him as well, their number is 877-727-4747. I encourage you to give him this number if he ever feels suicidal. Also i want to give you our number for when ever you want to talk we will be here for you. our number is 310-855-4673 and we are on everyday 6 to 10 pm pacific standard time.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My issue...or issues? I recently moved from Lake St. Louis, Missouri to Colorado...Personally I was excited I couldn't wait for change and something new. I'm going to get straight to the point though, I absoulutly hate it here, I've been TRYING to make the best of it...every weekend I sit at home doing nothing, I wish I could just go out again to parties like I used too, hang out with friends. I've never had so many lost feelings. I feel like I'm falling apart. The only thing keeping me motivated is my future goals, which aren't even likely to happen... Man....I remember when I used to be happy, always smiling, loving to laugh, I remember when I had someone to talk to, someone to have fun with, someone to care about so much. My family isn't much help to be honest...they don't know what it's like. They grew up in a different enviroment, when I have a problem they get angry because I'm depressed...and I get blamed for. I truly have nobody here, the only thing I have is music.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, im really glad that you contacted us at TEEN LINE. Yea, its understandable that you could be feeling lonely or out of place in a new environment. Moving can be really difficult because you are leaving an old life behind and going into the unknown. I commend you for trying your best, and trying to make the best of your situation. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to delve into something that you love. You said that you like music, therefore it maybe you could join a school band, or to start listening to more music. This can make you feel better, and you might meet new people who like music as well, and you can have something already in common. If that doesn't help, you can try starting a journal. It sometimes helps to just write down how your feeling so you can get it out in the open, or you can try writing a song. If you still feeling lonely, it could you go out and and talk to people you wouldn't usually talk to, and try to make some new friends that way? If you ever just feel like talking, you can always call us at TEEN LINE. Our hours are 6:00pm to 10:00pm PST, and our number is (310) 855-4573.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
On Friday night my friend and I decided to get some Coricidin, which is cold medicine, and ended up overdosing really bad. We both had to go to the ER in an ambulance. They wouldn't let me see her... I still haven't seen her. I've been blaming myself for what happened. I have a problem. And I know it. I'm addicted to alcohol, pills, and weed. I'm really not happy with who I am; Actually, I hate myself. Ever since Friday, I've been wanting to kill myself. This is all so overwhelming... Everyone at school knows about the OD. But they all think I tried to kill myself when that time, I was just trying to get a buzz. Worse yet, I put my friend's life in danger and I can't forgive myself. I haven't slept at all. All I can do is sit here and think about it.. And cry. That's all I've done since then. Plus, I cut the word hate into my thighs so many times I think they'll be permanent scars. I need help and I know it. That's why I searched for something, ANYTHING that might do the trick. My mom thinks I'm crazy and wants to send me to rehab. I do want to go... I probably should. My mom might want to send me away, but she never would. I KNOW I need it.. How can I get rid of my depression? How do I stop having fantasies where I kill myself? How do I convince my mom to send me to a rehabilitation center? Why is life as a teenager so complicated? I have so many questions and at the moment, my head's spinning, I feel like I need to throw up, and I'm really worried about school tomorrow. I feel so alone.. And I'm crying right now... Help me!!!!!!!!!!

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, im really glad that you contacted us at TEEN LINE, because we are here to help you. Im really glad that you are safe now, but I am worried that you have been thinking about suicide, because suicide is never a good solution to any problem. Suicide hurts you, and hurts everyone that cares about you. If you ever have feelings about committing suicide, i hope that you call the Suicide Prevention Hotline (877) 727-4747. One of the biggest steps for getting over an addiction is accepting that you might be addicted, and it was really brave of you to reach out for help. I can understand how stressful teenage life can be, that is why TEEN LINE is here, because sometimes teenage life can get to be a little too much. Reaching out for help is one of the biggest steps to getting better, and im very happy that you did. There are programs that help teenagers with getting over addictions. Some of these programs are Alcoholics Anonymous, (920) 922-7512, or Narcotics Anonymous (800) 642-0666. Both of these programs are good places to go to talk to people who have been going through the same problems you have been going through, and to help you get over your addiction. Im also worried that you have been cutting yourself, because that can be very dangerous and sometimes fatal. If you have a hard time stopping, or you feel like cutting again, i encourage you to call Safe Alternatives at (800) 366-8288, because they can provide support for you. If you still are having a hard time, or you would just like to talk, you can always call us at TEEN LINE (310) 855-4673. Our hours are 6:00pm to 10:00pm PST, and we are always happy to talk to you. We are always here to help you however we can.

a TEEN LINE teen