Hi Kevin,

Thank you for trusting us with your letter. Being bisexual in a small community can be difficult. Being picked on (bullied) for one's sexuality takes its toll. Having to hide oneself, or one's sexuality can certainly lead to periods of depression.

Some indications of depression may include lack of energy, chronic fatigue, isolation from your friends and family, diminished interest in usually pleasurable activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and a general sense of helplessness. On www.us.reachout.com you'll find facts about depression by clicking on “struggles with feelings.” Please know that there is treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts.

Consulting with a mental health professional, such as a social worker, psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist provides the best course of action to evaluate depression. Speaking with a mental health professional can assist one in understanding their thoughts and feelings and in finding a suitable course of treatment.

On www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm you can learn more about depression and its treatment. On http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/ you can search for mental health services in your area. You could also contact the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists by calling 215-222-2800 or by visiting their website at www.aglp.org for help in finding someone in your area.

Kevin, you are not alone. There are many other LGBTQIA teens who deal with bullying. Perhaps, you can find some support online. Trevorspace, at www.trevorspace.org, is the Trevor Project's safe, online social networking site for LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 their friends and allies. It's a great supportive community where you can connect with others who might have had or are having the same questions that you’re having about your sexuality and dealing with bullies.

If you ever need someone to listen, you can always call the Trevor lifeline at 1-866-4-U-Trevor, 24 hours 7 days a week. We are here when you need us. Everyone at the Trevor Project cares about you and your well being. Many LGBT people have grown up in small communities. Like you, they have endured bullying because of their sexuality. And, like them, you can find a path to a full life. IF you feel moving to a more accepting community will help, start planning for that future. What line of work interests you. Focus on your education in that field. Right now, that road is a little bumpy. You are not alone. Reach out for supportive communities. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a great organization, made up mostly of parents, which supports LGBTQ people and works to help parents and others to become more supportive and accepting of their loved one's sexual orientation/gender identity. On their website at www.pflag.org click on "Get Support" then click on "For Family & Friends" where you'll find the pamphlets "Our Daughters and Sons: Questions and Answers for Parents of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual People" and “Frequently Asked Questions about GLBT People,” which, if you’re comfortable, you can share with your family members/friends to help them become more understanding and accepting of you. PFLAG also runs support groups where parents and others can discuss questions and concerns they have about a loved one's sexual orientation and where LGBT people can discuss issues they're having with people in their life. On their website, you can search for a chapter near you. If no chapter is near you or if your family members/friends won't attend, you could still contact the nearest chapter and get support and learn ways to help them become more understanding of you.

Kevin, your life is bigger than these ignorant taunts.  There is nothing wrong with you or your sexuality.   Finding accepting, supportive communities will help reduce the sense of isolation.  Remember, we are here when you need us. 

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