Hi, I just became an early pre-teen and my mom always yells and hits me for the little things I do. My step dad doesn’t do anything about it. Just today she punched me in the eye and she’s always pulling my hair. Sometimes I think about hurting myself but I then I like to think that when I’m grown I will live in a big house and have my own kids and she won’t see them. I will be living my best life. So I just deal with her. Just last year in 2020 I was telling her that I’m in pain and that my back was hurt. I told her that I needed to go to the hospital but I never went and I still have back pain but she doesn’t care and I’m so scared to call the police on her. When I found this app I was happy to share my story.
YOU NEED HELP RIGHT AWAY
- Thank you for reaching out to TeenCentral and sharing these personal feelings with us. It can be very difficult to make that first step in reaching out for help and we appreciate you trusting the TeenCentral community by sharing your story.
- If a parent or guardian is hurting you physically in ways like you’ve described, or if they are not getting you the right kind of healthcare you need (like for your back) it’s really important that you reach out for help right away. I know it’s hard and you may not know where to turn, but we can help. First, you can always call 911. But you mentioned that you are scared to do that – so I’m going to recommend that you read our most recent What’s New blog on the topic of Child Abuse. This should help you with many options. We want you to be SAFE, so do those things FIRST.
WHEN YOU’RE READY
- After you’ve reached out to people who can intervene in your situation and you’ve gotten the help you need, maybe you could take some time to review more of what TeenCentral has to offer. TeenCentral has many great resources for people your age to help you understand that you are not alone in what you are going through and that you can seek and receive help for these difficult times.
- On the TOOLS tab there is a great resource titled “My Support Plan” which can help you identify thoughts you may think and people you can go to in times of need; something it sounds like you were already doing on your own! The Support Plan is even more effective if you are able to share it with a trusted adult who can help you. Do you have anyone like that in your life – even someone outside your family?
- Remember that hurting yourself is only a temporary way to cope, and it will not end the pain you are feeling inside for good. On the LEARN tab there is a section where you can learn more about self-injury. We encourage you to check it out. You are important! Try to think about some of the people in your life who you are important to and who care about you, even if they are not members of your family.
