TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My father died when I was about six and then my mom got married a couple years after that. At first my step-dad seemed okay. But he started to yell at me a lot after a while. As time goes on it keeps getting worse and worse. A couple weeks ago it got so bad that he actualy broke my ankle. I'm really tierd of it but I don't know what to do. Please help!

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, Thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like you went though a difficult loss losing your father when you were young, and you had to transition. I am really worried about you, you said that your step-dad yells at you and its been getting progressively getting worse, including breaking your ankle. I am wondering if you told anyone about this, like a trusted adult, your mom, a friend, teacher, or even a school counselor. It is not ok for your step-dad to abuse you. It seems like you are distant and afraid of your step-dad. I can understand that this can be frustrating and tiring for you. I want to give you a referral to the National Child Abuse Hot Line. There number is (800)422-4453 and they are open 24 hours. It might seem really scary to call the National Child Abuse Hot Line, but I am just worried about your safety. If you feel like you can't call them you can also call us here at TEEN LINE. We are open from 6:00-10:00pm PST and our number is (310)855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I dont know how to start, i dont wanna poor my heart in soul out right here right now. Im not a problem sharer i hate telling people what's wrong with me. But its becoming more than i can handle on my own. Im a sennior in High School and this year is almost over. Im known in school as the Bully the mean one the one who intimidates people. And i dont wanna leave here having people remember me that way. Im not like that at all people just dont give me a chance they take one look at me and assume that im so Monster... I have more that i need help with but i got to go to my next class..

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi,

Thank you for contacting TEEN LINE. Your situation seems so stressful. It sounds to me like you really want to change this before you graduate. I wonder if you have any close trusted friends, adults, or a school counselor who you would feel comfortable talking to? Sometimes talking to someone can help you sort through your feelings. Also, I wonder if you would feel comfortable starting to address the people who think you are a bully in some smaller ways? Maybe showing them the real you could help them see another side. If there is anything else you would like to discuss, feel free to call us at (310)855-4673 between 6-10pm pst.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My name is t_____ i just got back from the hospital for trying to kill myself. Im not in my right mind. Im obsessed with killing myself and I can't stop. I've been in mental hospitals but they don't help im worse there than anywhere else. I have major depression but I also hear voices. Im trying my best to hold on but things aren't going right Im afraid my future will turn out bad. My parents want to send me to some place called summit view for help but there not sure if ill be accepted. I was afraid of that because i hoped it would help me with my suicidal tendencies now I feel like I have no other options other than dying. But I don't really want to die I want another option. I want to know what i can do when I feel this way and how i can get rid of these suicidal thoughts if you could help it would be very much appreciated

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for e-mailing TEEN LINE. Wow it sounds like you've been through a lot. It must be so scary to hear voices and feel like dying is your only option. It is completely normal to worry about your future, especially since you've already been through so much. I'm so glad to hear that you don't actually want to die and that you just want another option. I'm wondering if there is anyone close to you such as a friend, adult, cousin, or even school counselor that you could share this with. It might help to just talk to someone you trust about what you've been dealing with lately. A lot of people find that writing in a journal, listening to music, exercising, painting, or playing sports can be really helpful in dealing with depression. Also, if you would feel comfortable with it, you may want to look into getting a therapist that could offer you professional long-term support. You've experienced a great deal in your life and i can imagine that you might be overwhelmed and frustrated that things don't seem to be getting better. I'm really glad you decided to e-mail us but we would love for you to call us here at TEEN LINE. We're open every night from 6pm-10pm PST and the number is (310)-855-4673. Also, if you're ever feeling suicidal and need someone to talk to, you can always call the Suicide Prevention Center at (877)-727- 4747.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
This is a relationship with a boy, we were really good friends. then his ex girlfriend got jealous and started to threaten me with things like "i will cut you" and "watch your back" and saying things like "your a hideous beast" and "you slut" i hate the treatment, and it's ALL over the web! i have no idea what to do! Help !!! i'm starting to get scared

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE. It seems like you are feeling worried and unsure of what you should do. I can hear how scared you are. I encourage you to talk to someone about what you're going through. Like a school counselor, family member or a teacher you trust. Because this girl keeps threatening you, it is important that someone is aware of what is happening. Also, you are always welcome to call us here at TEEN LINE (310 855 4673). We are open from 6-10 pm every night, and we'd love to hear from you.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
So, I've been talking to this for quite a while and I really like him. I told him that I'm a virgin, but he isn't. We're going to prom together and he was talking about how he wanted to be my first. I told him that I'm not sure if I'm ready or not. He said that he would wait for me, but not wait forever. I mean I want to do it with him but at the same time I'm not sure. And I'm very self-conscious about my body. I talked to my sister about it and she said that if I decided too then use protection, and I know to use protection. I'm just very confused and I don't know what I'm going to do.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thanks for contacting us here at TEEN LINE. It seems like you are feeling conflicted and maybe even pressured have sex with this guy. It's really important that you feel ready and that you don't feel pressured to do anything you aren't comfortable with. Maybe you can talk to another person you trust about how you are feeling so that you can become more clear. Also, writing in a journal may help you make a decision you are comfortable with and feels right to you. You mentioned using protection and I'm really glad that you want to protect yourself. If you do decide to have sex with this boy, you can go to a Planned Parenthood clinic near you to get free condoms. Their number is (800) 230 7526 and here is a link to find a clinic near you: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/. You can also call us here at TEEN LINE if you want to talk more. Our number is (310) 855 4673 and we are open everyday from 6 to 10pm PST.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I am always hungry, always! I'm overwieght and trying to eat less but its too hard at school they give me candy, at home I can have as many snacks as possible, I've been trying so hard. The scale says I've lost 3 lbs. in 3 weeks but I don't notice a difference in the way my clothes fit or look.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for emailing us here at TEEN LINE! It must be so frustrating when you try to eat better, and you don't see the results you want. It's really fantastic that you lost three pounds though! That's something to be proud of. Sometimes, you don't notice a difference in the way you look or how your clothes fit right away. Temptation can definitely make it difficult to handle when you're working hard to eat right. I'm wondering if there are any hobbies or sports you're interested in? It may be a great way to get some exercise in, and do something you enjoy! Writing in a journal may also be a good way to relieve some of these feelings of frustration. Also, have you thought about talking to anyone about this? Maybe a trusted adult, or a school counselor? They may be able to give you some support on your journey. You can always call us here at TEEN LINE. We're here every night from 6PM-10PM PST at (310)855-4673.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Why does my boyfriend act like he hates me?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for e-mailing TEEN LINE. It must be so painful and confusing to feel like your boyfriend is acting like he hates you. Relationships can be really complicated and communication is really important. Have you talked to your boyfriend about how you feel? It might help to understand his side of things and it would give you a chance to share your emotions with him. I'm wondering if there's anyone you trust that you would feel comfortable sharing this with. Maybe a close friend, family member, or adult? It might help to talk about what you're going through with someone that can support you as you deal with this. Feel free to call us here at TEEN LINE as well. We're open every night from 6pm-10pm PST and our number is (800) 852-8336.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Ive been wit this one guys for about 1 year and he wanted to do more than i wanted i dont know what to do!!!

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, I am so glad you contacted TEEN LINE. It sounds like you feel pressured to do more than you are comfortable. Maybe you could talk to your boyfriend about your feelings about this and not going too far. You should never have to do anything you aren't comfortable with. Give us a call at TEEN LINE at 310 855 4673 between 6 and 10 PM PST so we can talk more. a TEEN LINE teen

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I am really depressed because of all the stuff going on in my life and I have been thinking about suicide what should I do?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey I'm so glad you emailed TEEN LINE. Sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed. You mentioned there's a lot of stuff going on in your life. Have you talked to anyone about everything thats happening? I'm concerned about your safety right now. If you have an urge to hurt yourself you can always call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 877 727 4747. They're open 24hr and you can call them for free. I also encourage you to call us here at TEEN LINE at 800 852 8336 from 6 to 10 pm PST. We'd love to listen to you.

a TEEN LINE listener

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
Okay,so i'm Bi and i have been for quite a while now. So far i told 3 of my best friends and a girl i kind of like but she isnt really my best friend. She is Bi too. My problem is that i want to find a way to be able to tell my parents. One of my friends is Bi and she had it on her myspace and her mom saw it and got really mad and didnt want her to live in the house any more. Iknow my parents wouldn't go that far but i'm just a little scared of whats going to happen.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, Thank you for contacting TEEN LINE. It sounds like you're feeling a bit nervous about telling your parents about your sexuality, and it's totally understandable that you do. It's great that you have trustworthy friends with whom to share your feelings, because it can be difficult to keep something like that to yourself. Perhaps talking to your friends or to a school counselor could help you figure out when the time is right to tell your parents, because what is most important in this situation is the health of your well being. If you want further support from a fellow teen, feel free to call us at 1 (310) 855 4673 from 6 to 10 PM PST. You might also want to check out www.thetrevorhelpline.org to learn about and network with the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) community.

a TEEN LINE listener