TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My issue isn't about suicide, it's just that I have been feeling depressed a lot for the past year or so. I feel like I don't have friends and the friends I do have would get annoyed with me if I talked to them about things. I never really fit in to a group of friends and i feel left out of everything. I feel like i act differently around certain people to have them like me more, but i don't know how to act myself because I don't know how myself acts, if that makes any sence.. I'm just having trouble figuring out my personality. If this issue is too difficult to answer I understand..

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE. It seems like you are feeling very confused right now. It can be really hard when you don't know how to act, but it's common to feel like you don't know yourself... As teenagers, we're still trying to find ourselves. It sounds like you might be stopping yourself from doing what is natural to you, could it be that you're hindering yourself from saying something so you don't get judged? I wonder if the people you are trying to fit in with are the people you actually want to surround yourself with. When you feel isolated, it can help to talk to someone you really trust. You are free to call us at TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 from 6 to 10 pm PST every night too! I hope everything works out!

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Everything started great with my boyfriend and it was an easy carefree relationship, I'm not okay with having sex and he knows that so its been great. Then for the past two months a group of his friends have been sexually harassing me, leaving notes in my locker telling me to do obscene things with him and making rude comments when I see them or even smacking my butt. I tried to tell him to make it stop but he doesn't get that their joke really bothers me and they are starting to cross lines: commenting about my body and appearance that just seems not okay. I can't tell anybody because it's a joke to them and I don't want to come off like a brat but I also am starting to feel more and more pressured and depressed. What do I do, is it normal for me to be bothered by this? I just don't know, please help

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting us here at TEEN LINE. It really sounds like your in a tough situation with your boyfriend and his friends. That must be frustrating, for him not to realize that his friends are making you feel very uncomfortable. It's never okay for someone, or in this case a group, to be sexually harassing you. And to answer your question, Yes, it is perfectly normal to be bothered by this inappropriate behavior. You could try telling your boyfriend once more about his friends' obscene gestures, and really stress that you are being harassed by it. If it does not work, then I encourage you talk to a school counselor or a teacher about this, because you said in your email that it has gotten to a point of depression. Maybe you could also confront his friends directly, that way they can hear what they are doing to you, and hopefully will stop. Feel free to call us from 6 to 10 pm, every night of the week at 800-852-8336 as well. I hope this situation gets resolved.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I feel so depression that i don't want to eat or live anymore. i don't understand why. i dont want to go to school be around other people. i keep things bottle up inside. i don't know what to do anymore.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Thanks so much for reaching out to TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're feeling really down and depressed lately, even though you might not know why or where it's coming from. I'm really glad you e-mail us though, that alone shows you're willing and hoping to get out of your depression. Have you considered talking to someone about this, maybe like a therapist, school counselor or a trusted adult? A lot of times getting your feelings out can be a really good way to begin to feel better. Otherwise, have you thought about writing in a journal? If you don't want to talk to people, that's a great outlet that doesn't involve any kind of interaction with others. I don't know if you're feeling suicidal, but if you ever are I highly urge you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline, they're open 24 hours and their number is 877-727-4747. I also encourage you to call or chat with us here at TEEN LINE if you want someone to talk to, we're open every night from 6pm to 10pm PST and our number is 310-855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Hi, so umm yeah, i started self harming two years ago, and i was ok for a few months and now i slipped up and i am back to the begining, i am struggling at school i just want to cry all the time, or hit something or mostly cut myself this morning i did it bu ti did it way work than i thought it was i checked it in lunch and i didnt realise how bad it was, the whole top half of my leg is covered in cuts... I don't know what to do. I cant handle all the stress at school and at home and in relationships, i dont know what to do. please please help i need someone.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,

You sound really stressed out and confused about what you should do. However, from the fact that you were courageous enough to write to us and ask for help shows you have a lot of strength. One thing that you may find helpful is talking to someone. If you have a friend, a family member, or a school counselor...anyone you feel comfortable talking to, it might make you feel better if you express yourself and clear your head. Also, have you tried writing your thoughts down on paper? Often, people find that writing their feelings/thoughts...just writing about what's going on in their lives no matter what it is, really helps because the paper can't judge you or interrupt you, and it can put things in perspective. Here is a website www.self-injury.net that is a great support for people who cut. Lastly, you can always call us here at TEEN LINE. We are here to listen. Our phone number is 310.855.4673. Thank you for writing to us.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Yesterday me and my mom had a humongous fight and i feel so alone and like i have nobody to talk to. It started with something small, and got huge. We were driving home. She said really nasty things to me like calling me a bitch, asshole, spoiled rotten fucker, ect. I said some nasty things too, but she's 45 and I'm 12 so it''s different from what she said to me. I told her that I was so depressed, and that everything in my life is so painful and not worth it. I asked her if she would even care if I killed myself and what she would do. she screamed "I'm going to call 911 and tell them to take you away!" I asked her if she cared again. "does it really matter if i care or not?" she said, and then i said (screamed) "what kind of cruel mother doesn't care if their 13 year old daughter kills themselves?!" and she d (Screamed) "Awww boo hoo your mommy doesn't care if you kill yourself!" then, when we got home, i ran out of the car and for a few blocks. i called my dad, and he called her, ect. she did call 911 but they told her to bring me in. eventually, i walked home, and my dad picked me up (my sick cruel mother went on a date that night). today, he dropped me off again, and my mom pretended like everything was fine. I started crying and asked her how she could pretend nothing happened. she said she isn't. I said how could you have said those things to me yesterday mom? and i quoted her. She said, get ready, "I never said that." Yes, she denied it. "I never said those things your twisting my words around." I said: "Mom, do you not remember me saying what kind of cruel mother doesn't care if her daughter dies, and you saying aww boo hoo your mommy doesn't care?!" and she said "Yes, i remember, but it didn't happen in that order. I never said I wouldn't care. Your really angry right now so I believe that you want to think that, and that you want to believe that, but I never did that." I stormed out. What do I do? She's in denial. Im freaking out and sobbing. I just vomited, that's how much pain I'm in. Please help.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like the fight that you and your mom got into really impacted you. I am wondering why you got into the fight in the first place, it sounds that you were really frustrated with her, and vice versa. It seems like she really hurt you. Depression is a serious thing, and its hard sometimes just getting through the day. Maybe having more conversations with her can help her understand you more. Also maybe getting out of the house and doing more outside activities with friends, clubs or sports can help get your mind off things. You could also try talking to a school counselor or trusted friends, or other family members, or even a therapist. You mentioned about ending your life, taking your life away would hurt the people that love and care for you. What are your goals in life, college, to start a family, etc? If you take away your life, you could miss out on all the good that has to come. If you are ever feeling suicidal please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 877-727-4747. It seems like you may have a lot to talk about so you can also call TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 at 6 to 10 pacific standard time.

a TEEN LINE listener