Sometimes im happy and then sometimes I just feel like I dont even know why I'm here. People say that the "mood swings" are just part of being a teenager, but it seems like so much more than that. I was told almost a year ago that I should be in therapy, but I've never been there. I cant talk to anybody and I dont even know what im thinking half the time and most of the time I dont even know why I bother anymore.... what am i supposed to do?
Signed,
Robin Anne Criss, 14, hagerstown MD

 

 Hey there, Robin-

 

I am so glad you reached out to us today.  It takes a lot of guts and strength to ask for help and you are a very strong person for doing just that.  I am sorry that you are going through a very hard and confusing time right now.  It can be increasingly difficult to sort out what is going on inside your head when you are having so many "ups" and "downs".  It is normal to feel this way at times.  However, it may be a real problem for you, specifically, and you may feel that you really need some help.  That is ok too!  You are smart to recognize this need before it gets so overwhelming.

You may very well benefit from therapy and it is definitely something that could be a possibility.  There is nothing wrong with seeing a therapist.  In fact, perfectly healthy functioning people check in with therapists from time to time when they have a major life issue.  So just because you go to a therapist, don't think that something is specifically "wrong" with you.  It sounds like you have a hard time discerning what is going on in your mind.  You feel cloudy and confused.  You seem to lack meaning at times, yet at other moments, you are happy.  You can't always expect to be happy, but you may learn ways, through therapy, how to transform those low moods back into high moods.  It is a great first step!  So if you would really like to take that step, I have some resources for you.

After doing a little research, I used the information you supplied and found nearby places that offer counseling for adolescents.  Take a look and give them a call or shoot them an email. If you can confide in your parents, that would help in making this decision.  Try to talk to someone.  If you really feel at a lost when it comes to your social network, sign up for TrevorSpace.  It is a safe and secure social forum for 13-24 year olds who identify with the LGBTQ community.  It is a great resource to find others who may be feeling and experiencing the same things you are.  Sharing your thoughts and feelings will help you sort them out as well as gain some helpful advice. 

 

 

http://www.lifedirections.net/

http://www.frederickpsychologycenter.com/index.html

http://teenshealth.org/teen/

http://www.teencentral.net/

 

Hang in there, Robin!  You are doing great and you will get through it. 

 

Please write again if you are still struggling and as always you can talk live with a crisis counselor Mon/Fri/Sat 1-7 PST on TrevorChat.  If you are experiencing an emergency or suicidal thoughts, please call 911, get to your local emergency room, or call The Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.  It operates 24/7 and counselors are always available to take your call. 

 

 

 

With love,

The Trevor Project