Thanks a lot for taking the time to write us today. It's sometimes hard to reach out for help in these challenging situations, but you deserve to be happy, and you've recognized that.

It's really sad to hear about how you're being bullied at school, and there are steps you can take to get to a better situation.

First off, you need to know that you would be missed. Your friends and family love you, and your absence would be a huge blow to them. Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems, and there are many other options available to you. There's a world of possibilities, and you should never give up the fight of keeping yourself safe and happy.

It seems like one of your strongest options is to ask for support from the friend that you mentioned. The reasons that you're being insulted and harassed at school are in no way fair, but it sounds like she's in a place where she can use her influence to put a stop to the behaviors of her friends and admirers. The abuse that's been heaped on you is clearly hurting you, and maybe even hurting your friendship with her.

But if you ask her to do more to support you, to stand up to the boys that are abusing you, then you'll have somebody else on your team. It's important that you don't give up, and that you keep looking for help. Bringing her closer to support you more strongly may make a huge difference.

You could also talk to a teacher or counselor about the bullying. There are consequences for bullying, and it sounds like these guys really deserve some of those to set them straight. They can also support you with the difficult feelings you're facing. Remember, you are not ugly. Every living person has beauty, just by virtue of being alive and occupying the world. The guys in your school aren't bullying you because of your looks, they're bullying you because there's something wrong with them, and they're seeking power and control in dangerous ways. Even if you looked entirely different, they'd probably just find something else to abuse you about. That's how bullies act. If a person isn't too ugly, they're too pretty.

If a person isn't too fat, they're too thin. Nothing you can do to meet their unknowable standards will put a stop to their behaviors, and you shouldn't feel pressured to change yourself to meet the expectations of people who can be so abusive and rude.

Find time in your day to celebrate yourself in some way. You might try journaling, or writing stories or poetry. You can also invest more of yourself in the activities that you like to do. When you find yourself feeling pulled under by the insults and abuse, do something to break that cycle. Even something as simple as taking a walk can be beneficial.

And if you ever need to talk to somebody, you should know that our hotline is here to support you. Our counselors are here around-the-clock, and all calls are free. The number is 1-800-448-3000, and we can listen to you and give you referrals for services that can continue to help and support you.

Remember, you deserve to be happy. If we can do anything more to help you on that journey, please keep in touch.