Other Emotional Health Issues / Question
Published: September 15, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Dear TeenHealthFX, I really need some help. I don't really know how to put this, but the best way I can think of is that I feel like I've been cut off from everything. Pretty much everyone in my grade either ignores me or dislikes me. I get absolutely no respect. As long as I can remember, I've felt like the word "Unacceptable" has been branded into my forehead. I can walk into a room and all talking instantly stops or gets much quieter. People lie to my face with startling regularity. Most of my grade spent most of the year trying to convince me to ask out a girl who clearly didn't like me (Just in case you chalk that up to self esteem, I did actually confirm this with one of her close friends.) I haven't even known about a single party until the pictures went up on facebook as long as I've been in high school. People constantly talk about me behind my back, using the words "geek", "creepy", "loser", "no life" and others most of the time. On top of all of this, I'm slowly starting to feel some pretty intense hatred of everyone around me, either for thinking they understand what I go through when they don't have a clue or for consciously making me feel like s*** every day. Whenever I even begin to talk about any of this, people assume that I'm either emo or trying to get attention. They all tell me I have a great life, so why am I not happy?
Signed: People Don't Have A Clue Of What I Go Through
Dear People Don't Have A Clue Of What I Go Through,
When people tell you that you have a “great life,” they are probably focusing on certain aspects of your life that are wonderful and special and that have the potential to bring you joy and happiness. However, while they can recognize the positive points it sounds like they are either unaware of, or are minimizing, other aspects of your life that are bringing you pain, confusion and unhappiness – the parts of your life that are making it difficult for you to feel happy.
It sounds like the social aspect of high school is what feels most troublesome to you – and FX can appreciate why this would be so since social relationships and feeling accepted by peers are a particularly important part of life during adolescence. Since you are clearly feeling so “cut off” and distraught in your peer relationships, FX thinks that it is very important for you to seek out help from some trusted adults with this so you can get some support and guidance in dealing with these situations. Whether you start by speaking to your parents, an extended family member, a school counselor, teacher, or any other trusted adult,, FX thinks that it would be very helpful for you to meet with a private therapist – either individually or in group therapy to help address these peer issues that are causing you so much distress. A therapist could provide guidance and support as you learn how to effectively deal with what goes on socially at school.
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.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use, and male high school students are more likely than female students to rarely or never wear seat belts.
