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:
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:
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