TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have very low self esteem to the point where I cant live life to the fullest. I'm afraid to do or say some thing around my friends and family out of fear that they will laugh at me or call me stupid etc so I keep alot of things in. I have started cutting myself on my arms because that's the only way I can deal with the pain. Do you have any type of advice that could help me learn to open up and stop having such low self esteem?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thank you for contacting us at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're feeling alone and confused. Have you tried talking to a family member or close friend about how you feel and what's going on? It may help you to share your feelings with someone close to you. Or even talking to a therapist could really help you understnad why your self-esteem is so low. I am concerned about you cause cutting is very serious and can become a bad addiction. There is a website called self-injury.net that cahelp you with your cutting. I also really encourage you to call us here at TEEN LINE so we can further discuss your situation. We are open from 6 to 10 pm PST, 7 days a week. Our number is 310-855-4673. We are always here to help you.

-A TEEN LINE teen