Hey I don’t know how to really start this. I used to think that all of this was normal or that I earned whatever was happening to me. My voice didn’t seem worth using or even strong enough to be heard. I’m feeling so many emotions at once as well as feeling nothing at all. My head is spinning with so many different thoughts, not knowing which ones to lead with. Anytime I felt these emotions with what was going on, I would just tell myself that everything would be fine because one day I would die and all the pain would go away. But I don’t want to think that way anymore, but being home there’s nothing safe or relaxing about it. If anything it’s like when I come home I have to fight a different never ending battle that I never seem to be winning. I know that I have to do something for the physical and verbal abuse, I just don’t know where to start. What do I do? What is my first move?
HELP YOURSELF:
- Before you do anything else, take a minute a breathe. Having the strength to take that first step and reach out for help is oftentimes terrifying. We’re so glad you did, and that you’re trusting us to try and help you.
- If you are suffering from abuse at this moment, or if at any time you feel like you’re in danger, find a safe place and call 911 or your local authorities and ask for help immediately. If you would like to make a call to an authority about undisclosed abuse you can use the National Child Abuse Hotline or call 1-800-422-4453.
- Do you have another trusted adult in your life that you can talk to about your situation? It may be another member of the family, or it could be a school counselor, pastor, coach, etc. that may be able to support you and guide you to someone near you who can help.
- If you’re worried about talking to someone face-to-face, consider using a hotline where you can talk to someone anonymously about what’s going on.
Crisis Textline
Available 24/7
Support to all individuals in crisis
Text “HELLO” to 741741
www.crisistextline.org
CONSIDER THIS:
- If you haven’t tried this yet, we have many resources on our Teen Central website that may help you by providing information. In our “What’s New” tab, we have a blog about dealing with abuse during the pandemic, and in our “Stories” tab, you may consider looking at some of our other stories and what’s been recommended to other people that are dealing with similar problems like you are having. This may also help with understanding that you’re not alone in this.
- In our “Tools” section, we have quite a few items that can be used as coping skills for anxiety, or help you with relaxing. It helps to have something safe to help relax when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you don’t have something that works already, maybe give one of those options a try.
- Continue to remember your worth. You’ve taken a big first step in trying to find a healthy, safe life for yourself. Asking for help is the best way to start- stay with it. YOU’RE WORTH IT !!!!!
