Annie (AKA Hey Terra!) has been around long enough to have experienced a lot of what Life can dish out. But, it hasn’t been so long that she's forgotten what it's like to be your age. Check out some of the thousands of email questions teens from around the world have sent to Terra. You may learn something useful from her answers:
Depression:
“I've been thinking about suicide.”
Hey Terra,
My friend told me that I had to get some help from a psychologist. Look, my life right now really sucks. It all started 2 years ago. My dad went to jail. Then I ended up with my grandfather but then he got sick and died. Those things really hurt me no matter how long it's been, I still cry and stuff. No one really knows because I don't really like to show my feelings. Now I pick up a knife and start to like cut myself. I've noticed myself thinking about suicide.Crazed
Dear Crazed,
I'm very glad that you wrote to me. Your friend's right. You need someone you can really talk to. Someone who is trained to listen and can work with you to help you sort out your feelings and get you back in balance.
You've had some very hard things to deal with at an early age. Cutting and suicidal thoughts are major warning signs that something is very wrong. You need emotional support.
Here's a number you can call: 1-800-999-9999
The call is free and it won't appear on anyone's phone bill. There are people who can help you but you've got to reach out to them like you did to me.
Please, call 1-800-999-9999 or this youth crisis hotline at 1-800-448-4663.
I wish you well and please, let me know how you're doing.
In friendship,
Terra
Need some advice? Write to Terra.
She'll give you a straight answer you can trust without any lectures.