Thank you for reaching out this morning and sharing the sadness you have been feeling. Reaching out for support is the hardest part in getting better and you did that today. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Every person needs support and encouragement. Some get it from a school counselor, a parent, trusted family friend or relative, best friend or a teacher. It helps to explore who is there for us so we can make sure we are reaching out to those people. Attached is a worksheet that may help you determine who in your life is there for you. Consider sharing with your parents the sadness you feel. If you do not feel you can visit with them in person about it then consider writing a letter. Check out http://yourlifeyourvoice.org/DiscoverIt/Articles/Pages/Writing-a-Letter-to-Your-Parents.aspx for a few guidelines and some help in writing to your parents.

School can be challenging for many teens. Try to look at it as a job, it is something that has to be done. The people you work (go to school) with are not always going to be people you like, but you are all there to get a job done. It will not be long before you are done with school and starting college, then a career, then the real world. Get involved in activities you enjoy and make the best of the time you have to spend there. 

Your recognizing that you need support and reaching out are the hardest part about getting better. You did this, now is the time to start healing. Please keep reaching out, the Boys Town National Hotline has counselors available 24/7 to provide support and suggestions for coping. Plus, it's toll-free so you can call from anywhere 1-800-448-3000.

Kay, Counselor