Replies to 'Troubled Teens'

Dear Sheila, I understand exactly how you feel.  I am 45 yrs old now, but 30 yrs ago, I was you.  I was extremely shy, and making friends was next to impossible for me.  My family was socially prominent in our town, and I never felt like I fit in with them.  At that time, life was miserable for me.  My little sister was the pretty one, the smart one, the athletic one, and the apple of our father's eye.  No one really understood me.  My father and I couldn't be in the same room with each other without fighting.  I had 1 or 2 friends at school, but they weren't even really good friends.  I want to let you know that things can and will get better.  Your parents do love you, and they probably don't know how to help you and that can be very frustrating for them.  I suggest that you take matters into your own hands.  I really think that you need counseling.  Instead of waiting for them to realize this, do a little research on your own.  Often, your school will offering counseling services.  If this isn't an option, check and see if your town has a mental health clinic.  Often, these types of clinics charge on a sliding fee, so that if your family doesn't have medical insurance, they will work with you.  Once you have this information together, go to your parents.  Let them know that you need help and you have found a place that you can get the help that you need.  When we are kids, we think that parents should have all the answers, but sometimes, we are just as confused and scared as you are.  I hope that this advice helps you.  I went into counseling when I was your age.  After dropping out of school in the tenth grade, I went back and graduated with honors.  I graduated from college, and pursued my love of singing and acting.  I am now married, with teenagers of my own.  You can get through these difficult years.  Take an active role in helping yourself now!  It will make you stronger now, and it will show you that you can accomplish what you really set your mind to.