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:
im issue is that i just found out im pregnant and the father of my child dosen't want 2 be in the baby's life what should i do?? i really dont want 2 chase him, i would rather him not be in my child's life is he doesn't. what do you think i should do???

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but I am glad that you are taking responsibility for your child. It sounds like you know what you would like to do. I'm wondering if you have someone to talk to, like a family member or a friend. If you have more questions about your pregnancy, I have a great referral for you. It is called Planned Parenthood and is a 24-hour line, the number is(800) 576-5544. If you want to talk more, you can always call us at 310-855-4673. We're open from 6-10pm pst.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
What do you do when you feel like your doing everything wrong and have no purpose in life?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE! It seems like you're feeling really lost and overwhelmed with everything going on. Have you tried talking to someone about how your feeling? Is there someone, like a friend, relative, or even school counselor that you can confide in that may be able to help you find meaning in everything that's going on? If you ever want to talk, don't hesitate to call TEEN LINE at (310) 855-4673 from 6PM to 10PM PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I feel so depression that i don't want to eat or live anymore. i don't understand why. i dont want to go to school be around other people. i keep things bottle up inside. i don't know what to do anymore.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Thanks so much for reaching out to TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're feeling really down and depressed lately, even though you might not know why or where it's coming from. I'm really glad you e-mail us though, that alone shows you're willing and hoping to get out of your depression. Have you considered talking to someone about this, maybe like a therapist, school counselor or a trusted adult? A lot of times getting your feelings out can be a really good way to begin to feel better. Otherwise, have you thought about writing in a journal? If you don't want to talk to people, that's a great outlet that doesn't involve any kind of interaction with others. I don't know if you're feeling suicidal, but if you ever are I highly urge you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline, they're open 24 hours and their number is 877-727-4747. I also encourage you to call or chat with us here at TEEN LINE if you want someone to talk to, we're open every night from 6pm to 10pm PST and our number is 310-855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Hi, so umm yeah, i started self harming two years ago, and i was ok for a few months and now i slipped up and i am back to the begining, i am struggling at school i just want to cry all the time, or hit something or mostly cut myself this morning i did it bu ti did it way work than i thought it was i checked it in lunch and i didnt realise how bad it was, the whole top half of my leg is covered in cuts... I don't know what to do. I cant handle all the stress at school and at home and in relationships, i dont know what to do. please please help i need someone.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,

You sound really stressed out and confused about what you should do. However, from the fact that you were courageous enough to write to us and ask for help shows you have a lot of strength. One thing that you may find helpful is talking to someone. If you have a friend, a family member, or a school counselor...anyone you feel comfortable talking to, it might make you feel better if you express yourself and clear your head. Also, have you tried writing your thoughts down on paper? Often, people find that writing their feelings/thoughts...just writing about what's going on in their lives no matter what it is, really helps because the paper can't judge you or interrupt you, and it can put things in perspective. Here is a website www.self-injury.net that is a great support for people who cut. Lastly, you can always call us here at TEEN LINE. We are here to listen. Our phone number is 310.855.4673. Thank you for writing to us.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Hey...I am a 18 year old dude and dress pretty much glammed out everyday. I probably own more hairspray and makeup than most girls...Like if you see a picture of the the bands Hanoi Rocks or CRASHDÏET yeah you've seen me pretty much. My problem is I am straight but because of how I dress everyone assumes I am gay or bisexual. Even my parents. I am totally straight but can't seem to make anyone believe me. How can I keep my style and still maybe convince people that I am straight and not totally girlie? I don't want to change myself to fit a stereotype that I didn't fit in to begin with.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey! Thanks so much for reaching out to TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're confident and comfortable with the person that you are, but frustrated with others' interpretations of your sexuality. I hear you're trying to be honest with people and really convey who you are, and I think that's really great and courageous. Some people will accept what you say, and others might not, but ultimately what's most important is that YOU accept yourself and that you're happy with who you are. If you want to talk further about this please don't hesitate to call us here at TEEN LINE, we're open every night from 6pm to 10pm PST and our number is 310-855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i have been having sex underage and i love it! i know its illegal but i want people's view on it. what do you think about it?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE! There is no one answer, exactly. Many teen have different opinions, and not all of them may be ready for sex. From what you said, I wonder if by asking us, you are having doubts about how much you love it? Sometimes, if you ask others' opinions, it could mean there's a part of you that is questioning it. Maybe there is something aside from the illegality of sex that you may be pondering. If you have any other questions, perhaps regarding safe sex methods and underage sex, this is the number for Planned Parenthood 800-230-7526. As you are engaging in underage sex, I just want to make sure you are knowledgeable about safe and healthy sexual practices. Finally, please feel free to call us here at TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 from 6 to 10 pm PST every night!.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Yesterday me and my mom had a humongous fight and i feel so alone and like i have nobody to talk to. It started with something small, and got huge. We were driving home. She said really nasty things to me like calling me a bitch, asshole, spoiled rotten fucker, ect. I said some nasty things too, but she's 45 and I'm 12 so it''s different from what she said to me. I told her that I was so depressed, and that everything in my life is so painful and not worth it. I asked her if she would even care if I killed myself and what she would do. she screamed "I'm going to call 911 and tell them to take you away!" I asked her if she cared again. "does it really matter if i care or not?" she said, and then i said (screamed) "what kind of cruel mother doesn't care if their 13 year old daughter kills themselves?!" and she d (Screamed) "Awww boo hoo your mommy doesn't care if you kill yourself!" then, when we got home, i ran out of the car and for a few blocks. i called my dad, and he called her, ect. she did call 911 but they told her to bring me in. eventually, i walked home, and my dad picked me up (my sick cruel mother went on a date that night). today, he dropped me off again, and my mom pretended like everything was fine. I started crying and asked her how she could pretend nothing happened. she said she isn't. I said how could you have said those things to me yesterday mom? and i quoted her. She said, get ready, "I never said that." Yes, she denied it. "I never said those things your twisting my words around." I said: "Mom, do you not remember me saying what kind of cruel mother doesn't care if her daughter dies, and you saying aww boo hoo your mommy doesn't care?!" and she said "Yes, i remember, but it didn't happen in that order. I never said I wouldn't care. Your really angry right now so I believe that you want to think that, and that you want to believe that, but I never did that." I stormed out. What do I do? She's in denial. Im freaking out and sobbing. I just vomited, that's how much pain I'm in. Please help.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like the fight that you and your mom got into really impacted you. I am wondering why you got into the fight in the first place, it sounds that you were really frustrated with her, and vice versa. It seems like she really hurt you. Depression is a serious thing, and its hard sometimes just getting through the day. Maybe having more conversations with her can help her understand you more. Also maybe getting out of the house and doing more outside activities with friends, clubs or sports can help get your mind off things. You could also try talking to a school counselor or trusted friends, or other family members, or even a therapist. You mentioned about ending your life, taking your life away would hurt the people that love and care for you. What are your goals in life, college, to start a family, etc? If you take away your life, you could miss out on all the good that has to come. If you are ever feeling suicidal please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 877-727-4747. It seems like you may have a lot to talk about so you can also call TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 at 6 to 10 pacific standard time.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My mother is a heavy alcoholic and she was taken away today from detoxing off not only alcohol but some sort of drug. I'm scared, and I'm having really bad anxiety, and I really have no friends to talk to about it.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
I'm glad you emailed us here at TEENLINE. It seems like you're going through a really, really tough time right now. It sounds like you feel scared, and dealing with hard situations can be even worse when you feel like you have no one to turn to. This is really something you shouldn't have to go through alone. You might try talking to a school counselor, or someone else in your family. It might also really help you to contact Alateen, a 12-step program for relatives and friends of alcoholics. They might be able to provide you support and understanding because they've been in the same situation. You can find a local meeting at http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/english.html. You can always call us any night from 6 to 10 pm PST at 800-852-8336, we would love to support you in any way that we can.

a TEEN LINE listener

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