Other Emotional Health Issues / Question
Published: October 29, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I get these odd feelings that never go away. They are related to over-occurring thoughts that seem to be like a broken record. Like the Columbine thing, I noticed that people have weak minds, and am obsessed with my own and think I might have one. Sometimes I can't watch TV because the feelings brought on by thinking that the people on the TV will effect me and cause me to lose my personality. That is another thing - I think I have a false personality. The list can go on, and it all effects what I used to enjoy. What's wrong with me?
Signed: Recurring Thoughts And Weak Mind - What's Wrong
Dear Recurring Thoughts And Weak Mind - What's Wrong,
TeenHealthFX hears how upset you are and wants you to understand that there is nothing "wrong" with you or your mind - you just sound very stressed and confused. Having the same troubling thoughts over and over again is upsetting and can be scary. We can not diagnose you here on the website, but what we can tell you is that it is not necessary for you to endure unpleasant feelings, because there is help available to you for what ever is troubling you.
Developing your "identity" is an important part of adolescence. It is not that you have a false personality - just a developing one. That is healthy. With so many influences around you, choosing the right ones to serve as positive examples can be a confusing process. Like so many others your age you will no doubt look to your environment - television included - for examples of both positive and negative behaviors that you can apply back to your own life. There is nothing wrong with finding a role model that you admire - people of all ages can benefit from a positive influence. However, is important to understand that although you can learn from others example, only you can truly determine who you are. The TV and the characters you find there are not real - you are.
Since you mention the Columbine shooting, TeenHealthFX wants you to know that if you are still struggling with related worried and fears, you are not at all alone and can absolutely get help. With so much violence all around us, many people feel similar stresses and are learning to manage them and get down to the business of living their lives. Have a look at our answer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for more information.
If you live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youth than all other illicit drugs combined.
