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High Anxiety?

Dr. Janet Taylor

At times, we all feel bad or overwhelmed with our world, our friends, and our life. But let me tell you, there is nothing that anyone could say or do to me that would make me want to hurt myself.

But did ya know there are teens like you who regularly burn themselves, cut themselves or do some other kind of wack acting-out? Why, you ask? Well, there are a lot of reasons. Some do it to feel pain, others do it to get attention, and some just plain can't help themselves.

It may be the anxiety that comes from feeling alone, or the panic of not fitting in. These may be the same buds that drink too much, get high or make-out just to fit in. It ain't worth it.

Think about it - when your friends act crazy, it doesn't make you like them any better, does it? It just means that they act crazy. And what kind of situation are you putting yourself into if you hang with them? I'm not saying that you have to judge them, I just mean be careful.

When and if any of your buds tell you that they like to hurt themselves, and ask if you can help them feel better, your only answer should be NO.

It's not NO, because you're not a good friend. It's NO because they need professional help. And unless you have a DR. in front of your name, the help that they need ain't gonna come from you.

These are hard times. The world can feel pretty scary. Kids are worried about war and peace (not to mention the every day stuff.) If you are worried or nervous, look around, chances are that your buds are too.

Talk to your friends. Try to find something to be happy about. If you feel nervous or upset, talk to a school counselor or your parents. Drinking and using drugs are like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. Being self-destructive never hurts anyone but the person doing it.

We are all in this together. Find hope and joy within - it's in you.