TeenHealthFX - Answers - Thinking Of Running Away For Months

Other Emotional Health Issues / Question
Published: October 22, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am 13 years of age (male), and I go through different types of moods. Some days I`ll be happy and positive to depressed and ashamed them just down right furious. Last year 2007 was THE worst time of my life. I had a teacher who used to lose my work, I always Procrastinated, never could accomplished any goals, fear of the dark (over with now), loss of a loved one, unpopularity, a lunitic band director, and just chaos in the head. That is what I had to deal with last year, and it feels like it is coming back. This time I will do something about it. I am thinking of going in a pawn shop and sells something for a big amount of money, then run away, for months. Please respond to me. PLEASE!

Signed: Thinking Of Running Away For Months

Dear Thinking Of Running Away For Months,

TeenHealthFX is very concerned about you and thinks that it is important that you not run away. Whether people run away, move, change jobs or schools, or make any other kind of quick changes as a way to escape from a situation – if certain problems or issues have not been addressed that need to be, those problems and issues will tend to follow. So FX does not think that running away is the answer or will solve anything – if anything it will bring on a whole new set of problems and stressors.

Instead of running away, FX thinks that it is very important that you speak with your parents, or a trusted adult such as a teacher or school counselor, about how you have been feeling. There are many reasons why you may be feeling the way you are. If you find your moods quickly fluctuate, you may be dealing with a mood disorder. There may also be skills that need to be developed – such as interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and coping skills. In addition, if you lost a loved one you may also need some support and guidance in dealing with the painful feelings related to your loss.

FX can only speculate about what might be helpful for you – so we think that it is important that you speak to an adult so that it can be better determined what is contributing to your current thoughts and feelings, as well as what needs to be done about it. There are so many resources out there that can help people with mood disorders, developing various skills, and in dealing with grief issues. So rather than run away, please reach out to someone you trust and get hooked up with some of these very helpful resources. Things can get better for you and there are people around you who can help that to happen.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

You can also contact the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-621-4000, 24 hours, 7 days a week. This hotline is for help if you have runaway or are thinking of running away.

Signed: TeenHealthFX