Hi there,

It seems like you're in quite a tough situation right now and for that, I'm really sorry. It also seems like you care about your friend a lot and that's an amazing quality to have. You should be really proud of yourself for that, seriously. Now, what is causing you to feel so depressed? As a teenager, I know things can be rough sometimes. I'm sure we all could relate to that. Truth is, life isn't easy no matter how hard we try. I just want you to remember that things will get better in time. I know that might be difficult to believe right now, but trust me on this one.

Another thing to remember: you're not a loser! No one is a loser, despite what other people say. I'm sorry that you felt the need to cut yourself over all of this. Just remember that you're not alone in feeling this way. Why have you resorted to cutting as a way to cope with what's going on? The reason I ask is because I want to make sure that you know there are other coping mechanisms out there; coping mechanisms that are much healthier and effective.

I know you think your parents won't understand and again, that's a very common belief amongst many teenagers and young adults. Is there any particular reason as to why you think your parents won't understand? Keep in your mind that your parents gave you life. They love you very much and I'm sure they'd be willing to do whatever it takes to help you and make you feel better again. Talking to them about the way you're feeling would definitely help but I don't want to force you into doing anything you don't feel comfortable doing.

Even with that said, I still think that you should talk to someone about what's going on with you. If you don't want to talk to your parents about it specifically, there are other people that you can talk to. You can always talk to a close friend, sibling, close relative, friend's parent, teacher, guidance counselor, doctor - basically anyone that you feel comfortable talking to. I don't want anything to happen to you and I'm sure that you wouldn't want to do anything that you'd regret. Just hang in there and remember that things will get better.

I wish you the best of luck and don't forget to smile.

PT