Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem Issues / Question
Published: January 22, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
cry almost every day because I don't like the way I look and I don't like myself. I hate getting up in the mornings because I don't want to deal with the day. At certain times I feel like no one in the world cares about me. And sometimes I don't want to live anymore. I often worry about my weight and that that is what usually leads up to the crying. I usually care about the way I look because I am not happy with what I look like and sometimes I cry just because I an unhappy with myself. Can you please help me? And try to tell me if you can what is wrong with me. Because I know that something is not right.
Signed: Cry Because I Don't Like The Way I Look
Dear Cry Because I Don't Like The Way I Look,
We are sorry to hear you are feeling so sad lately. While we cannot diagnose you over the internet, it sounds like you are depressed. This is very common among people your age - try looking at the questions in the Emotional Health section of this site under "depression" for more information.
The first thing you need to do is talk to your parents or another adult who you trust, like a teacher, coach, or counselor at school. Let them know how you have been feeling. If it helps to explain, you can just show them the question you sent us. Whoever you choose to speak to, it is very important that you have support.
Depression can make it feel like there is no one who cares about you, even when that is not true. It can make everything look a lot worse than it is. If you get some help, chances are things will start to look brighter - you will not feel so bad about your weight and will not feel so alone.
We suggest you see a therapist, who will be able to diagnose you properly and get you treatment. That may consist of counseling, medication, or a combination of the two, depending on your symptoms. To find a therapist, in northern NJ you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.2471400. Outside of this area, you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's website to locate services in your area.
Most important, if at any point your feelings are overwhelming and you become afraid of your impulses, call 9-1-1 or go to your 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
About 44% of rape victims are under age 18. Three out of every twenty victims (15%) are under age 12. 
