Family Abuse And Violence / Question
Published: February 10, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi my mother Verbally abuses me, mentally abuses me but not really physically. She pulls my hair, some times slaps, or digs her nails into me. She said that if she could get away with it she would kill me. She calls me things like worthless, and garbage. But its weird in spite of all that, she can be really nice one minute and ask me what I want and she buys it or calls me sweetie. But 5 minutes later could turn into the mother from hell. She doesn't let me wear what I want or do what I want. I've become really depressed and I cut myself. I even have a suicide note that I wrote just in case it gets really bad. It's all too much I really don't know what to do, I talk to my dad but he doesn't know what to do either. My mother is mean to him too. Please respond, please.
Signed: Depressed & Abused - Mom Verbally Abuses Me
Dear Depressed & Abused - Mom Verbally Abuses Me,
TeenHealthFX is sorry that you are going through this. Your father should take the lead as an adult and tell you mother that her behavior is unacceptable. As your father he should be protecting you from abuse. If your father will not get you help, you need to reach out to another adult like a teacher, counselor or school nurse and let them know what you have been feeling and dealing with. They can help you get the professional help that you need. To find out what to do, check out our answer to Mom Is Verbally, Mentally And Little Bit Physically Abusive http://www.teenhealthfx.com/answers/4183.html.
Killing or cutting yourself is not the answer - you are not worthless and deserve better. This abuse is not your fault. If you thinking you might hurt yourself, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for help. If you live in northern New Jersey you can call the Atlantic Health Systems Crisis Hotline at 973-540-1400 for direct assistance. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Girls are more likely to intentionally abuse prescription drugs than boys.
