TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I live in a very orthodox Jewish community and home and it's causing me to constantly be depressed, angry and sad. Recently I've begun to think more about drugs and even suicide. I just can't take all the insane rules and blind faith when I honestly don't believe in it and am forced to live a lie because if I'm found out I'll get kicked out of my school (which is a private prep school and very Orthodox and close-minded), and maybe even shunned by the community. I feel like my life and future is at stake here. What should I do???

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. It seems like you're living with a lot of pressure in your life. It must be confusing and crazy to have to try and live a life where you feel you have to lie about who you are and what you feel. It sounds like because you are harboring these feelings and keeping them in you, that they cause you to want to turn to drugs and possibly suicide. Talking about how your feelings, and getting these feelings out can help you cope. At your school, is there anyone who you can talk to about what you are feeling? If not, maybe you can look for possible therapy. Also, I am concerned that have you have been thinking about suicide. I really encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention hotline at800-784-2433. Please call us at TEEN LINE too. Our number is (310)855-4673 and we're open from 6-10 PST.

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