TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i started cutting just to see why people did it and when it started to make me feel better i started to do it more and more until i realized i had to stop but i couldnt and i dont know what to do iv been to so many therapy places and had friends try to help but i just dont know where to go from here.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
Thanks for contacting us here at TEEN LINE. Trying to cope with life and the situations that surround you can be extremely difficult and overwhelming to deal with. I understand that cutting can help sometimes relieve inner pain. I am wondering what might have led you to start cutting. I know that you had said that you were interested in cutting because you wanted to know why other people did it, but i was wondering why you are continuing to cut and if there is something bothering you. It sounds like you really not happy with your situation. Have thought about wanting to stop harming your self? It sounds like you might want support and guidance that will really help you and people that you can rely on. I know you stated that you have sought out friends and therapy places, but i was wondering if you had thought about talking to a trusted adult or when school resumes, a school counselor? I have a couple of resources that might help you. www.self-injury.net is a website that you can get help from. Safe Alternatives phone number that you could call & leave a message and they will call you back when they can. Safe Alternatives also deals with support, family re-unification, as well as other services that may help you. Their phone number is 800-366-8288. Also i was wondering if you have a hobby like writing in a journal or playing a sport that could help you release your pain in other ways. If you feel like you need to talk, the TEEN LINE Hotline is open from 6 to 10 PM PST every day. Please feel free to call in as we are willing to listen to any problems you might have. Our phone number is (310)-855-4673. Thanks again for e-mailing us.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I don't know why, but I keep freaking out over anything I don't have control over, which is pretty much everything. Sometimes I feel fine, but recently I can't stop crying or getting really upset about the stupidest things. I have tried to hurt myself over it, but only when it is really bad. I feel like I have no life, and no one is letting me live it, so why should I bother trying? I tried to talk to my mom about it a few months ago, but she just thought I was being over-dramatic. I don't really have any close friends, so I have no one to talk to it about. I think about suicide a lot, but I don't really think I want to die. I'm just worried that one day I will want to die. I don't think that I can talk to anyone I know about it, because they won't take me seriously.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
Thanks so much for emailing TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are feeling really confused, lonely, and scared because you cannot talk to anyone about the way your are feeling. I want you to know how brave you are for reaching out and trying to get help. You mentioned about how you think you do not want to die right now. Remember that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. One of the best ways to get your feelings out is by talking about them. Have you considered talking to a therapist, teacher, or trusted adult about the feelings you are having? Also, maybe you could try writing in a journal to express your emotions. I want to give you the number of the Suicide Prevention Hotline where you can call and talk to about any suicidal feelings you ever have. The number is (800) 784-2433 or you can visit them online at www.suicidepreventioncenter.org. Also, feel free to call TEEN LINE any day from 6-10 PM PST. Our number is 310-855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Ever since my parents got divorced i had to fill the role as "dad", and the load that comes with that has literally drained me over the years. In the past I have done things that i am not proud of, and i have hurt those closest to me. Every morning I wake up and I feel like whats the point of getting out of bed. I don't feel loved, even though I'm sure my mom loves me. I'm dealing with things right now that i cant talk with her about because i don't know what she will do or say. The thoughts of suicide started out small. I used to just think "what would happen if i killed myself this way" but now it has evolved to the point to where i am considering it. i hate it, i cant focus in school at all because all I think about is what I am going through and it sucks. And when ever something bad happens to me or any feeling of grief i trigger these emotions that spiral out of control.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hello, thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're living with some burdens that are really difficult to deal with. It seems like you had to grow up fast and mature earlier than most people your age. I commend you on your ability to do it all. Although you are struggling with this right now, it sounds like you are a really strong person. Have you ever talked to someone about how you're feeling? Things like divorce and loss of a family figure can change someone's outlook on life. Talking to someone like a school counselor, older relative, mother, or another person, can really help you control your feelings. But if it ever feels like too much to handle, I want to give you the number to the Suicide Prevention Hotline. This hotline is available 24 hours a day and the number is (877)727-4747. Also, if you ever need to talk, you can always call us at TEEN LINE and there will be another teen just like you and me ready to talk to you. The number is (310)855-4673 and we're open from 6-10 PM PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i need help ? for some reason im always thinking about death, i need help to STOP! its hurting my life thats what im thinking about ALL DAY LONG! i was thinking maybe i need something to take my mind off it but for some reason I CANT!!! -- CAN YOU HELP ME OR SHOULD I GO SOMEWHERE ELES?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
I really appreciate you contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're feeling a little overwhelmed, and maybe a bit confused. I'm wondering if someone close to you has passed away, or if it is the anniversary of the passing of a loved one. If this is the case, it's important to find an outlet. Maybe picking up a sport or an instrument, writing in a journal, or pursuing a passion of yours would help you vent any feelings you may be experiencing. If this isn't the case, I'm wondering if you're feeling like you want to harm yourself, or others around you. It sounds like you have a lot going on, and I'm concerned about you and your safety. There is a suicide prevention hot line that may be able to provide you with some assurance. Their number is 800-843-5200. Also, you can call us at (800) 852-8336, or chat with us online. We're here from 6-10PM (PST). We're here to listen..

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I feel this sight is stupid and that no one can really help me. But I feel so lost I'm not quite sure where else to go anymore. So if anyones there, can you help me? I don't want to feel like my life is meaningless anymore.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thank you for reaching out to TEEN LINE.
It sounds like you are going through a rough patch and it seems like you may be depressed. Depression can be very difficult to overcome but there are many things that may be able to help you. I'm wondering if something specific has caused you to feel badly about life and if you have a trusted adult, close friend, or family member to talk to about these feelings? Also, do you have any hobbies? Sometimes hobbies, or even little things like reading, taking a walk, or playing a game you are good at can really help boost self-esteem. Of course you can always call us here at TEEN LINE. You may not enjoy the website but talking to one of us could be great. The teens at TEEN LINE are just like you and me. We are open from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. and our number is 310-855-4673..

a TEEN LINE listener