TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My family argues alot and i'm always the one trying to fix everything. I get really depressed whenever they argue and i never tell anyone. When my dad left us, i was depressed. All i remember is my mom and dad arguing and me and my sister upstairs crying. Now, my mom and _____(stepdad) argue and all it does is bring back those memories. I'm afraid that Jim is going to leave us and there's nothing i can do about it. I'm always depressed when it happens and I dont know what to do about it. What can I do?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for contacting us here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are in a really overwhelming situation. It must be really stressful to be dealing with all the arguing and all of the bad memories involving your dad. I wonder if you have tried talking to a friend about everything that is going on. Maybe even talking to your mom about these feelings or another family member? Or also a school counselor may help? It may help to have support and someone to talk to during a time like this. If you would like to talk to a teen, I want to encourage you to call or chat with us here at TEEN LINE. We are open from 6 to 10pm PST and our number is (310) 855-2673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
When i was 16 it was the first time i was raped no one knows because i have a very big problem with dealing with my problems and act like they dont exist but now at 18 i was walkin out of a party and was raped and beat by 3 guys.. but many word got out because of my best friend and people talking bout it and accusing me of lieing and all that and i just cant handle it anymore i want to cry all the time.. the first time after i was raped i became addicted to drugs and then stopped all tht and just started handling my problems with alchol. but its not helping no more and i want to handle my problems the rite way

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Wow. It sounds like you are going through some really rough things right now. This must be so painful for you. I'm happy to hear that you want to handle your problems the right way instead of depending on drugs and alcohol like you used to. It seems like you are very sad and lonely. I wonder if you've told any dependable adults about what has happened and how you are feeling. You could try talking to your mom, dad, an older sibling or your school counselor. If you don't feel comfortable talking to any of those people, I have some great referrals for you to try. There is the Rape, Abuse, and Incest Network (RAINN). Their number is 1800 656 4673 and they are open 24 hours a day. Also, you can try calling Project Sister (909 626 4357). They are open Mondays-Friday from 9am-5pm. Both of these hotlines can be very helpful. Also, you are always welcome to call us here at TEEN LINE (310 855 4673). We're open from 6-10pm every night and we'd love to hear from you.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My dad just died this past november, and nobody really undestands what im going through. im just looking to find some one else that knows what i am going through. knows the loneliness im feeling

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi,
Thank you so much for contacting TEEN LINE. I am so sorry that your dad died. It is normal to feel lonely and misunderstood when a you lose a parent. Maybe it would help if you tried talking to your school conselor or a trusted adult about the way you are feeling. I don't know where you live in TX, but i found grief support that might be close to you. It's The Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas at 210-736-4847. If they aren't close, you could ask them for a referral near your area . It can really help to share the way you are feeling with other teens who have may have lost a parent as well. Also, you can call us here at TEEN LINE from 6:00pm-10:00pm pst every day if you just want to talk. Our number is 310-855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I need help, there's this girl I like and she might like me back but in my class you get bugged non-stop, to the point where you get bullied. There's been couples in my class before and they got bugged alot. It's either I get something that's been bugging me for over two years off my chest or forget it. I've known her as a friend, she's funny, and am even getting to the point where I think I love her. But people say it's dumb to love somebody at my age. But I beg to differ. I'm very loving and I think I made my point of loving her. It's just I don't think I have anyone to talk to.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thank you for emailing TEEN LINE. Sounds like your feeling confused and maybe a bit lonely. Sometimes it's hard to talk to someone your age about a more mature topic, and that can be frustrating. If you think it's a good idea, you might want to get to know her better so that you can decide what you want to do. If you don't have a friend to talk to about this, you can call us at 310 855 4673 from 6 to 10 pm PST. You can also chat online with us during that same time.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My friend committed Suicide. It's so hard to deal with.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, thanks for trusting TEEN LINE with this. It must be so painful to lose your friend from suicide. Do you have any good support in your life right now, someone who you can talk to about this, like a trusted friend, therapist, or close family member? Talking about it with someone else can help ease the pain. You can go to http://www.survivorsofsuicide.com/ for referrals and resources on suicide loss support. You can also visit this website, http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=AC750B90-C071-D45F-5334E87E75BBB6DF, which has support groups and hotline numbers you can call in South Carolina. Also, give us a call here at TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673. We're here to talk with you about any of your challenges and feelings, and we're here for you from 6 to 10 pm PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
well my problem is that Im to shy and passive. I often have problems putting myself out there. I feel like I don't have a voice. This often makes me sad , actuslly iv been sad for awhile ( 4 yrs). Part of me wants to lossen up , but I still get stuck on oh she's '' the shy girl''. I never used to be like this.i used to be assertive and had many friends, now Im just all alone and don't know what to do. I feel like crying most of the time bc I know that this is not who I am. I'm not the same person I once loved to be. I wany to regain my life back and be happy bc I'm not. I don't want to grow up being walked all over bc I cldnt let go of the past (being teased n middle school) or bc I get intimidated. Please someone help me get my life bck! Please!i

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for trusting us with your problem here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are feeling frustrated with this shy part of your personality and how it's your affecting your life. You mentioned that you are all alone now and want to regain your life back , so it also seems that you feel lonely. From reading this email, I can really tell that you want to change your life in a new way. Have you tried talking to a close friend, family member, or a therapist about your feelings? Talking about your feelings can help you clarify them and make it easier to work them out. Also, maybe you could join a club or team that you would enjoy spending time in and that could help you get more confidence in yourself. You can also always call us here at TEEN LINE to talk about this or any other problems at 310-855-4673 from 6 to 10 pm PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i had a piece of paper with the suicide number on it and my mum found it she kept on asking me questions but i just didnt know what to say to her and now she is acting all weird around me can u please help

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thank you so much for contacting TEEN LINE. It seems like you are feeling worried about your moms reaction to finding the suicide number. Its always difficult when we don't know how our parents are feeling or how to tell them how we feel. In this case it might be a good idea to communicate to your mom about why you had the suicide number and how you're feeling. Sometimes it can be hard to talk to parents so you can always talk to people you can trust like another family member, school counselor, or a good friend. Also, you can always call or live chat with us. Our number is 310-855-4673 or chat with us through our website at www.teenlineonline.org. We are open from 6-10pm PST, and would love to talk to you during that time.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Me and my boyfriend just had a baby a month ago, but we have been having trouble talking or communicating with eachother. We argue about everything and anything. We have broken up and gotten back together too many times. How can we fix this situation to help communicate better between us for the baby's sake?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you really care about the communication that you and your boyfriend share. Having a baby as a teen can be really stressful. One of the things that you can do in order to improve the communication is to seek couples counseling. That can help you calmly talk to each other and let each other know how you feel. Also, it might help to have a support system. Can you talk to your parents or a close friend about what you are going through? You can always call us at TEEN LINE at 800-852-8336. We're open from 6-10pm pst. Hope to hear from you.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I live in a very orthodox Jewish community and home and it's causing me to constantly be depressed, angry and sad. Recently I've begun to think more about drugs and even suicide. I just can't take all the insane rules and blind faith when I honestly don't believe in it and am forced to live a lie because if I'm found out I'll get kicked out of my school (which is a private prep school and very Orthodox and close-minded), and maybe even shunned by the community. I feel like my life and future is at stake here. What should I do???

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. It seems like you're living with a lot of pressure in your life. It must be confusing and crazy to have to try and live a life where you feel you have to lie about who you are and what you feel. It sounds like because you are harboring these feelings and keeping them in you, that they cause you to want to turn to drugs and possibly suicide. Talking about how your feelings, and getting these feelings out can help you cope. At your school, is there anyone who you can talk to about what you are feeling? If not, maybe you can look for possible therapy. Also, I am concerned that have you have been thinking about suicide. I really encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention hotline at800-784-2433. Please call us at TEEN LINE too. Our number is (310)855-4673 and we're open from 6-10 PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i am having an issue with my best friend and girl I love. She is a very special girl and I've known her since I was 10. We've had off and on relationships for the past few years. My issue is that she is addicted to wecamming with older men. She lies about her age and tells false stories. She eventually will expose herself to people between 19 and 40 years old. And she is so young. It is breaking my heart and I don't know what to do. I've already confronted her and long story short she promised that she would stop. But I am having suspicions that she has continued doing it after a few days. I really need help on this one

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, I'm glad you e-mailed us here at TEEN LINE.
It sounds like you are very concerned for this girl who you love and is also your best friend. It must be difficult watching her do this to herself. I'm glad to hear that you confronted her. I'm wondering if you feel hopeless trying to stop her from doing this to herself. Have you thought about talking to her parents? From what you've said, it really seems like what she is doing is affecting you greatly. Do you think that talking to someone else about this, maybe a friend, or someone you trust like an adult or a teacher can help ? You can always call or chat with us here at TEEN LINE from 6pm to 10pm PST at 800-852-8336 or www.teenlineonline.org.

a TEEN LINE listener