Ive been getting depressed more and more every month. I have been like this since October and my counselor wont come see me anymore.

I feel that it’s mostly because of my sister. Ever since she moved back, she treats me extremely bad. She’ll tell me that I’m stupid, I should die, and that I’m useless. She yells at me for some of the most stupidest stuff and its like every time it just gets worse.

I don’t know what to do anymore. My mom tells me that I just take everything to heart and that she doesn’t really mean all those things, but it causes me to feel like suicide is my only option. Even at school I get ignored and I do dress different and I listen to all that rock n roll, but to me its no reason to judge me.

At school they tell me and that I’m dumb that I’m a slut, a whore, useless, and just an animal. I don’t know what to do anymore, it’s bothering me way to much.

-Panda

Dear Panda

First of all, my heart really goes out to you and I’m sorry you are finding life so hard. It is not easy to be a teenager and especially one that marches to their own drum.

It is never acceptable to treat another human the way your sister is treating you. It is emotional abuse, plain and simple. Please show this to your mom because she needs to put a stop to this. Your home should be one place where you can feel safe from what often can be a cruel world.

Also realize that your sister’s treatment of you has little to do with you, but everything to do with her. She obviousy has some pretty severe issues and poor self esteem if she feels the need to cut you down and ridicule you all the time. Just remember it is her character flaws that cause this not you.

Secondly, I admire you for being different and for not conforming to those around you, however, those who are different are often the target of teasing and ridicule. This is because people are afraid of what is different and they feel jealous that they don’t have enough courage to be who they are, but instead just follow the crowd like mindless robots.

Those who are different are the ones that truly make a difference in our world. You have a strong spirit and your life will be wonderful because you have the courage to think outside the box. Don’t deter from who you are and walk through your school proudly. You have so much to live for and I assure you, life continues after high school and is much better afterwards. In fact, I remember the bullies in my class. It was funny that during our 15 year reunion, they were the people who’s done nothing with their lives while I have been very successful.

Be proud of who you are and realize that God is especially fond of you and your life is a precious gift. You’ll never know all the people your life will touch and the people that will be greatly influenced by you. I would recommend that you continue to talk about these issues with your school counselor, but feel free to ask me anything else in the comments below.

Sincerely,

Ted