Dear Dish-It, I'm Scared of What I'm Becoming

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Dear Dish-It,
I'm scared of what life is. I'm scared of what I'm becoming. I need your help! I'm getting into a lot trouble. I'm swearing all the time, I'm smoking all the time and I started drinking occasionally, too. My grades are slipping. I was an A-B student, now I'm getting Es. I know how stupid I'm acting, I just feel so alone. My parents died about a month ago in a car accident, my boyfriend broke up with me, and I'm staying with my stupid, idiotic grandma who's planning on becoming my "legal guardian." I know what I'm doing is wrong and I need direction but it's so hard. Please, please help me!
imscared

Dear imscared,
I'm sorry to hear about your mom and dad. Losing your 'rents is never easy, especially at a time when you're already dealing with so many conflicting emotions. I think it's important for you to get involved with a support group with other teens who have lost someone close to them. Talking to other people, who are struggling with the same issues, will help you to realize that what you are going through is totally normal. It will also help you to find better ways to deal with your grief and anger than flunking out of school and endangering your health by smoking and drinking. While you may not be able to control everything that is happening to you right now, you can take control of how you deal with things. I suggest you talk to a school counselor or even a doctor about hooking you up with a group or therapist to talk to.

For the rest of Dish-It's answer to imscared's question, click here!

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