Yes, my father has a bad temper and I seem to have inherited it. He use to spank me with a belt to where it would leave bruises and use to threaten to throw me out the second story window and said when he hit me he never did it out of anger but I could tell he was angry. Was I abused? Does my dad need help? Also when I was younger I use to bite my arm, cut my arm and even burnt it w/ hot pieces of metal because I was angry. I also use to inhale substances such as cleaning products to get high. Now sometimes ill hit my parents or push them because im angry- but I afterwards I feel bad for what I did. Recently Ive been feeling kinda despressed about what? I dunno and that thought about doing drugs or "cutting" again. I dont think I have a problem cause im not a bad kid do I need help or it is part of teenage stress and rebellion?

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Answers

I think it's probably a combination of both, but it seems to me like you're a pretty self-aware 16 year old, to be looking at yourself like this. Good for you :)

I think it's good for you to be thinking about these things, but it's not unique to being 16. I'm in my late 20s now, and I still think a lot about how I act and how I want to be.

I think you should try to make sure you have a really supportive environment around you, choose friends that make you feel good about yourself, avoid drugs as a means of escape, and just try to make your life as positive as you can make it. I think we all could try a little harder to do this... I sure could.

Counseling can be helpful when you want to work through things. Just make sure you choose a good counselor.

Just a few thoughts. :)

You're welcome to join us on safe-support if you want to talk with other people about this: http://www.safe4all.org/help.html

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002