TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mother, aka bff, dies 3 years ago and I am still grieving a lot. It has not gotten any easier dealing with her death. I was looking for a support group that is for teens that have lost there parent(s). Do you know of any, or any that are close to what I am looking for. Thanks

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, I'm really glad that you emailed us here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're in a really hard place right now, and it takes a lot of strength to reach out and try to get help like you're doing. Losing a parent, especially one you're as close to as you were to your mother, can be devastating. It seems like you're feeling the loss really deeply, and it is perfectly okay to feel sad. A really great support group for people dealing with their grief is Our House, a support group for teens, as well as other age groups, who are dealing with a family member's death. It might really be helpful. You can call them at 1-(310)-475-0299, or email them at www.ourhouse-grief.org. You can also chat with us or call us at 1-(800)-852-8336, any night from 6 to 10 pm PST. What you are going through is really difficult, but you are very brave to seek support. .

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I just dont know what to do anymore i keep looking for jobs and i cant find anything i feel like a total loser because i live with my boyfriend and his mother and i am now having bills pile up that i wont be able to pay for and it sucks i dont know what to do anymore i am getting very depressed and im NOT thinking of suicide just fyi lol but i dont know wat to do

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like this is a really hard time for you. Looking for a job these days is definitely difficult. It sounds like you are worried, concerned, and even hopeless about not being able to find a job, to pay for your bills and that can be very hard to deal with. I'm glad that you are not contemplating suicide, but you mentioned you were feeling depressed. I wonder if you have tried talking to a friend or even a family member to see if they can help with what you are going through. Also, here's a website that may help you in finding a job: http://www.solutionsforamerica.org/livingwage/youth-employment.html If you feel you want to talk about this further or about anything else, I encourage you to call or chat with us here at TEEN LINE at (310) 855-4673. We are open from 6 to 10 pm PST and it would be great to hear from you.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Okay so I have two problems, i know, messed up. But i could really use some advice. My best friend wants to run away and then kill herself. I really need help. I don't know what to do to make her feel better and get her help. Teacher's say that she just wants attention but I'm scared. How can I get away from abuse. I don't want CPS and everyone involved because they haven't done anything. I know it was long, but thanks.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, Thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. I can imagine how tough and overwhelming it must be in the middle of these problems. It also must be frustrating that the teachers aren't helping you with your friend's situation. Maybe you can try telling another adult about your friend's problem like your parents or another teacher or school counselor? The most important thing is your friend's safety. If she is really in danger you can always call 911. Also, maybe your friend can call us here at TEEN LINE and talk to us abut her problems. Our number here is (310) 855-4673 or she can live chat with us at www.teenlineonline.org. She can also call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at (877) 727-4747 or go on their website at www.suicideprevetioncenter.org. You can also always call or live chat with us here at any time from 6-10 pm PT.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I'm very depressed...I have no friends, no one to talk to, and I just feel all alone in the world. I can't stand it :(

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, I'm really glad that you've reached out to TEEN LINE. I'm really sorry that you're feeling so lonely and helpless right now. Just so you know, feeling like this is common and there are several different ways that you could help yourself. First of all, does anyone know about how you feel right now? If not, I really encourage you to speak to someone you trust, like a parent, cousin, sibling, school counselor, or therapist. It always feels really great to know that you have someone by your side through thick and thin. Have you also thought about joining a club or team that interests you? Something like sports, cooking/baking, writing, music, jewelry making, etc. Whatever you enjoy. This way, you might find people your age who have the same interests as you. It also might be easier to connect to people who you have mutual hobbies with. If you ever need someone your age to talk to, you can call TEEN LINE any night from 6pm to 10pm PST. We would be really happy to listen. Our number is 310 855 4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I've been extremely depressed for a year now and well, I'm finally on the verge of just ending myself. I've never cut before or anything but, I was curious if there's a safe way to cut yourself without causing too much serious damage. All help appreciated!

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, I'm really glad that you contacted TEEN LINE. It seems like you're feeling unstable and sad right now. It is always really difficult to go through depression and not know what to do about it, or how to escape the pain. I'm really concerned about you because cutting isn't a safe way to deal with depression. If you want an alternative, you could try wearing a rubber band on your wrist and snapping it every time you need to feel something. Even better than that would be to see or talk to someone about this. Do you have a parent, sibling, friend, cousin, school counselor, or therapist who you trust and could talk to? It would give you a great support system that's always there for you. Also, it sounds like you were thinking about suicide. Remember that suicide can be a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If you are feeling like you can't do anything to feel better, you could try a hobby like a sport, art, writing in a journal, etc... A website you could visit is www.self-injury.net. You could also call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 877 727 4747. Their lines are open for 24 hours. Also, if you ever need to talk to someone, you can always call TEEN LINE at 310 855 4673. We are open every night from 6pm to 10pm PST. Good luck :)

a TEEN LINE listener