TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I am always hungry, always! I'm overwieght and trying to eat less but its too hard at school they give me candy, at home I can have as many snacks as possible, I've been trying so hard. The scale says I've lost 3 lbs. in 3 weeks but I don't notice a difference in the way my clothes fit or look.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE! It must be so frustrating when you try to eat better, and you don't see the results you want. It's really fantastic that you lost three pounds though! That's something to be proud of. Sometimes, you don't notice a difference in the way you look or how your clothes fit right away. Temptation can definitely make it difficult to handle when you're working hard to eat right. I'm wondering if there are any hobbies or sports you're interested in? It may be a great way to get some exercise in, and do something you enjoy! Writing in a journal may also be a good way to relieve some of these feelings of frustration. Also, have you thought about talking to anyone about this? Maybe a trusted adult, or a school counselor? They may be able to give you some support on your journey. You can always call us here at TEEN LINE. We're here every night from 6PM-10PM PST at (310)855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I just feel indifferent all the time. Rarely do I ever have a smile on my face, or sadness in my heart. Actually, the last one was not true, I do experience frequent sadness, especially at night. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I think its an eating disorder I have. I just don't see myself as a person who is good looking, and I guess that's the reason I don't have any luck with girls, or confidence to talk to them. I want to live, but I don't see a real point to it. We live, we die, and time goes on and on, so why does it really matter? I don't have much confidence, and I always feel inadequate compared to everyone else, either because I'm not as smart, or not as handsome. I'm not depressed, just indifferent, but is it because of my possible eating disorder?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi

Thanks for talking to TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are feeling lonely and self-conscious about your appearance. You mentioned that you don't have the confidence to talk to girls. Have you thought about joining a club or team to help boost your self-confidence? Maybe you can write down your positive traits or the things you are good at on a list. You mentioned that you thought you might have an eating disorder. Certainly that can affect your mood. I highly recommend you call the National Eating Disorder Association, a hotline that can help you with this. You can call them at 800-931-2237 or reach them at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. You can also call us here at TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 between 6-10pm pst .

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have a very close friend who I think is struggling with anorexia. She's stopped eating her lunch, and whenever she goes out with us, she never eats or anything. She's lost a *lot* of weight and is incredibly thin. She had an anorexia scare last year, so a few of us called her mom and told her about it. Her mom barely believed us! My friend also cuts herself, and when I talked to her about this, she said that she alternates between cutting and not eating. "It's something that I can't control" Her parents aren't worried about her cutting, and she barely spends anytime with them. How can I help her out?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. I see that you care so much about your friend. I am worried that this could potentially turn into something really dangerous if she continues to act the way she does. It is great that you are already there for her, because it seems like that is really what she needs right now. Maybe there is something painful going on in her life that is causing her to cut and starve herself. I am going to give you referalls for a self injury and eating disorder hotline that might be able to help her. The website for self injury information is www.self-injury.net and the number the National Eating Disorder Association is 800-931-2237. I can imagine how difficult this must be for you... watching your friend go through all of this. I encourage you to talk to someone about this just to help you get through it as well. Maybe a school counselor or a trusted adult. If you ever want to talk feel free to call us. We are open from 6 to 10 Pacific Standard Time and our number is 310 855 4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
All my friend will eat at school is salad, and sometimes another side. Some other girls already went to our guidance counselor about it but I don't think it helped. I'm afraid that this is going to turn into anerexia.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thanks for emailing us here at TEENLINE. I think that its really great that you care so much about your friend and are concerned for her. She is lucky to have a friend like you. Have you talked to her about your concerns? If you are really worried, a great thing to do is talk to an adult you are close with about this, so you can have their support. If you want to learn more about eating disorders, you can go to edap.org, the website of EDAP(Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention.) You can call them at 1-800-931-2237. You can call us, as well, at 1-310-855-4673, every night from 6 to 10 PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i wont eat and im fat every one that does not like me is telling me im fat but the people that love me are telling me to eat and there telling me that i look like a stick and my bones are sticking out thats what they are telling me what should i do

TEEN LINE WROTE:
I'm really glad that you contacted us here at TEEN LINE. I totally get how overwhelming and confusing this may be for you. I would also think you may be feeling angry and judged. Maybe talking to a friend or a trusted adult to share your feelings would help? Everyone has certain qualities that make them feel different and can cause loneliness, but we all also have certain qualities that are so beautiful. How about talking to a school counselor that you're comfortable with? Here is a referral that may be able to help you as well: National Eating Disorder Association, (800)931-2237. If you feel comfortable talking to a teen here at TEEN LINE, you can call us at (310)855-4673, our hours are from 6-10 PM (PST). You are not alone, and we are here to listen to you if you would like to call us.

a TEEN LINE listener