Thank you so much for writing us today. It's entirely fair for you to be feeling stressed out right now, and it's really great that you're looking for some assistance.

We're really sorry to hear that you're facing so much bullying and abuse for your hand. Nobody deserves to face that kind of harassment, and there are things you can do to defend yourself. It's good to come to your parents for help and support, and you can also report the bullying to teachers and counselors at your school. It doesn't have to be a consequence-based thing, where you're telling a teacher to get somebody in trouble. You might just tell them about the things that are happening, where they’re happening, and who's behind it. Schools have a particular responsibility to defend their students, especially if the bullying is on account of your deformed hand. All bullying is bad, but bullying that targets a person for something so entirely out-of-their-control is particularly unsettling, and your school should be ready to spring into action to defend you.

With regards to your hand itself, don't focus too heavily on that. Bullies are relentlessly cruel, and they will come after you for anything. If it wasn't your hand, it would be something else. You can do a lot for yourself by making yourself into a harder target. Involve the protection of teachers and counselors, bring your friends in and ask them to stand up for you, and work to not show any reactions the bullying has on your feelings. If you can make yourself a tougher target, and the bullies aren't getting the reactions they're after, they might just give up. No solution will work 100% of the time, but if you give up, and give in to the sadness and frustration, you'll be much worse off. No matter what, you have to keep trying.

Also, know that you can write or call us any time. We're here to support you as best we can, and if you need help talking to your parents about this, you can call us and our counselors can even talk to them on your behalf. Or we can just listen to your feelings. Our lines are open 24/7, and all calls are free. We're honored to be here for you.