TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mother is so mean to me, but she always says that I'm just way too sensitive. For example, I'm on holidays right now, after having worked non stop, burning myself out. Now that I can finally relax, she's telling me how lazy I am and that I never do anything. I've also gained a bit of weight in the last two years because of immense stress. Because of this she tells me that I'm getting uglier, and losing what once used to be good looks. I think I look fine! I love myself the way I am, and I think parents should love their children just how they are, but my mother doesn't understand this and makes me feel horrible about myself all the time. I would be happy if she would just stop pointing out all the negative things about myself. It fuels my self harm, which I have secretely used as a coping mechanism for the last four years. Today, in my holidays, I went shopping with a friend and bought a shirt. My mom said: Don't use clothes as a way to make yourself look better. There are far more effective ways that you should use. She said something like that, and in a really mean tone. I know it sounds as if I was really sensitive, and I guess I am. But I can't help it, I know that by saying that she's saying I'm ugly and clothes aren't gonna make me look better. She always goes on about my weight, and it's really hard for me to love myself when she's always getting me down. I don't know what to do anymore. I want my mother to accept ME, how I am right now. Am I just too sensitive, or is what I'm saying and feeling in any way justifiable?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey. Thanks for contacting us at TEEN LINE. Wow,it sounds like what your mom says to you is really painful. You mentioned that your mom tries to bring you down but you like yourself just the way you are. I think it's great that you're not letting those hurtful remarks get to you too much. Have you tried talking to your mom about the way you've been feeling recently? Maybe it would help to let her know how much her negative remarks hurt you? If you can't talk to your mom, what about your dad? Maybe he can talk to her for you. You mentioned you self-harm which concerns me. There is a website self-injury.net that can provide alot of support and alternatives to self-harm. Also, would you consider calling us here at TEEN LINE so we can talk more? Our number is 1(310)855-4673. We're open from 6-10p.m,pacific standard time,7 days a week.

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