TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
just under two years ago my little brother C_____ had passed away at the age of 8. then about two months later my girlfriend, J_____ died at the age of 16 right in front of me inside the back of an ambulance after she passed out on a trail when we were running together. Now lately my current girlfriend, E____ age 18, has been hospitalized for the last month or so and has been diagnosed with Acute Interstitial Pneumonia which is a terminal disease. Now I'm really starting to get worried what's going to happen with her and i just don't know if i can deal with a third death of the only real close person to me.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for emailing TEEN LINE. These events you are telling me about seem very traumatic and it would be only normal to make anyone feel overwhelmed. I'm really sorry you had to go through this all of this loss in your life, it sounds really painful. Is there anyone in your life you have to talk about this? A therapist, school counselor, trusted adult, friend could help you deal with all these intense feeling that must be going though your mind and body. It's really good to have someone to talk with about these things. There is an organization called Our House 310-475-0299 that might also be helpful for grief support. Also, we would love to listen to you any time from 6 pm to 10 pm at 800 852 8336 PST. Feel free to call.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My dad is one of those people who kinda dislike gays bis' and lesbians, i have no idea how to tell ghim im bi. im scared hes going to go all religous on me.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,

I'm really glad you reached out to us here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are feeling fearful and worried about telling your dad that you're bi. Coming out can be a very scary thing, and there are many teens who go through this. It's very courageous of you to want to tell him, and it sounds like you could use some support. I wonder if you've talked to anyone about what you're going through. Like a close friend, family member, trusted adult, or school counselor? Sometimes it can be helpful to have someone to talk to.

I'd like to give you a referral to the Gay and Lesbian Youth Talkline (866 488 7386 or www.lagaycenter.org) They can give you information, assistance and referrals.

Also, you are always welcome to call us here at TEEN LINE (800 852 8336). We're open from 6-10pm pst every night and we'd love to hear from you.

a TEEN LINE teen

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Every night i randomly get upset and i dont know why. I overthink everything when it happens and feel like im all alone. I dont want to talk to anybody about it in person because i dont want them judging me or feeling bad for me. I use to hurt myself because id get so depressed. I stopped doing that but always think about doing it again...every single night. I dont know what do do and i dont know how to stop this.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,

I'm really glad you emailed us here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are feeling lonely and confused about your random change of emotions. It must be pretty difficult to feel like you can't talk to anyone about this in person because it seems like you could use some support right now. I thinks its so great that you have stopped hurting yourself but I am worried about you. I know you said you don't want to talk to anyone in person, but sometimes it can be helpful. Could you talk to a close friend, family member, school counselor or trusted adult? .

Just in case you ever feel like self-harming again, I would like to give you the link to a website called: self-injury.net They are a very helpful website and they can provide lots of good information.

Also, if you'd like to talk more about this or anything else, you are always welcome to call us here at TEEN LINE (310 855 4673). We're open from 6-10pm PST every night and we'd love to hear from you.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My dad abused me, my mom, and me mentally/emotionally for about 12 years and both my brother and my mom physically as well. He never hit me once, always calling me his little princess. I now have no memory from before I was 12 of my mom or dad. Is there a possibility that he could have sexually molested me and thats why he never hit me? I just don't understand why he was different to me.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,

Thank you so much for contacting TEEN LINE! Whoa, it seems like you are really confused and unaware about your relationship with your father when you were younger. Being mentally abused by someone you love can be very traumatic. I encourage you to talk to a school counselor, therapist, or a trusted adult about what you have been going through. Also, the fact that your brother and your mother are being physically abused is wrong, and if he is still doing it, it is important to call 911 or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453. We are also here at TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 from 6:00pm-10:00pm pst every night if you want to talk.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i want to runaway but im not sure how to because ive never ranaway so my question is what do i do if im not happy at my house because my parents are always screaming at me and blaming me for stuff i didnt even do?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE.
Running away is a scary thought, and it's a big decision to make. I can see how being unhappy at home would make you want to runaway, especially with the way you described your home life. It's really important that you are safe. Do you have any relatives, or close friends you could stay with for a few days? If that's not an option, there are shelters in your area you can contact if you need to. I'm wondering if you've thought about talking to your parents about the way the treat you, and how it makes you feel? Sometimes being able to sit down and talk can be relieving. Also is there anyone in your life you can talk to about this? A close friend, a trusted adult, or even a school counselor or a teacher is an idea. The California Youth Crisis Line is a line you can call to get referrals, information, and support. They are open 24 hours, and you can call them at (800)843-5200 or visit them online www.youthcrisis.org. You can also always call us here at TEEN LINE. We're here every night from 6-10PM PST at (800)852-8336..

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My parents are fighting and are thinking about spliting up....I don't know what to do...Any advice?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
Thank you so much for contacting TEEN LINE! Going through this split is common among teenagers, but it is definitely confusing and unpleasant. Have you talked to your parents about it? Maybe talking to a school counselor or another family member might help. Also writing in a journal is a good way to express how you are feeling. You can always call us here at TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673 from 6:00pm-10:00pm any night to talk more. I hope everything turns out well for you.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I feel like there are two different people living in my body and they are complete opposite. I can't make a decision, I can't talk to anyone because one minute I am talking to them and the next minute I don't want to talk to anyone. I am going off to college in September and I am more afraid than ever, many times I have thought that I would rather be dead than go to college where I don't know anyone. I am very confused about everything right now, and I don't know what to do.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,

I'm really glad you emailed us here at TEEN LINE. Wow. It seems like you are feeling confused and scared right now, especially concerning how you feel like there are two completely opposite people living inside of you. It must be lonely since you feel like you cant talk to anyone. I wonder if you've tried talking to anyone about what you're going through. Like a family member, trusted adult, or therapist? Sometimes it is helpful to have someone to talk to and it sounds like it could benefit you to have a support system.

You said that you'd rather be dead than go to a college where you dont know anyone. Just in case you are ever feeling suicidal, I'd like to give you the number for the Suicide Prevention Hotline (877 727 4747). They are open 24 hours a day and they can give you more referrals, information and counseling.

If you'd like to talk more about this or anything else, you are always welcome to call us here at TEEN LINE (310 855 4673). We're open from 6-10pm PST every night and we'd love to hear from you.


a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My issue is that i've been bullied for two years, by the same girls. I have talked to the school over and over, now their advice to me is to go to the police. I tried but the bully lied to the police and they won't help me now, because of her lying and the fact that earlier in the year i smacked her in the face because they keep pushing. Why won't they help me? I don't want it to stop when i hang myself, i want help now. Please help me. Please

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE. It sounds like you are reaching a point where you feel hopeless and lonely. Many other teens are bullied at school, so you are not alone. How about talking to your school counselor, your school may even offer a form of peer mediation. It also might help trying to talk your parents or another trusted adult about your situation and how it makes you feel. Since bullying happens all the time, there are also many websites which can help you including, http://www.beatbullying.org/index.html and http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/bullying/bullies.html We really care about you, and are concerned about your safety, so please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 784-2433 if you ever have thoughts of ending your life. Also, feel free to call here at TEEN LINE (310) 855-4673 from 6-10 pm PST everynight if you ever need to talk about anything.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
So I figured out, after days of thinking, that I'm Bi. I have friends that I know will support me and friends I'm affraid to lose. They think it's wrong to be this way. I don't know how I'm supposed to tell them. Can you help me?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for emailing us. It seems like you have a lot going on right now, and that you don't have many people you're able to talk with about how you're feeling. I'm wondering if anyone else knows that you're bi. Sometimes talking to someone about what you're going through can help you through tough times. It's great that you have friends who will support you. You mentioned though that you were worried about losing some of your friends, and it seems like that can be nerve-racking. Telling your friends isn't always something that you have to do straight away. You can wait until you're ready. There's a website that might be really helpful to you. Its called www.thetrevorhelpline.org and is great resource of support for LGBT teens. You can always call us here at TEEN LINE too. Our number is 310-855-4673 and we're open from 6 to 10 pm PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
i always cut and burn myself because my mom pays no attention to me all she worries about is her husband she always says im worthless and i'll never be anything what have idone to her i try to tell her how i feel about he way she talks to me but she says shes to busy or she is not in the mood i even tried writing her a letter and she wripped it up in my face it made me angry and she makes me want to die she hate me so much and i have no one in life tat cares i feel like everything is closing in on me just the other day i got out the hospital i cut to deep and she sbaqq at it again saying he wished i would of just killed myself how can you have a child and not love them all i want is love ad she has none for me im losing it and i cant do this anymore

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, thank you for emailing TEEN LINE. Wow, it sounds like your are feeling a lot of pain. It must be very difficult living in a house where you don't have a parental figure to talk to. Cutting and burning are ways to numb out the pain you are feeling but very dangerous to your body. There are alternative ways to release this pain that are not damaging such as exercising, writing, drawing, music, etc. The website www.self-injury.net has a large amount of suggestions like the ones I mentioned. Do you have anyone you can talk to about whats going on? Maybe a therapist, teacher, school counselor, or friend? Talking to someone could also help you release some of that stress. Maybe by finding a school group or extra curricular activities of your interests you can find some of this love you are looking for. Also, I encourage you to give us a call here at TEEN LINE at 310 855 4673 from 6 to 10 pm PST.

a TEEN LINE listener