My mom’s always gotten mad easily, but it’s been really bad lately.
Whenever we’re alone in her car, she screams at me that I’m worthless and a slob and other horrible things. She’s never hit me, but I’m scared she’s going to start. Lately, she’s even broken some of my things. I’ve tried to tell my dad, but he doesn’t seem to get how bad it is and just says to wait until she calms down, and mom calls me a rat. Then, when she calms down, I feel like a jerk. The only other family members I trust, my aunt and uncle, live in another state. I’m considering just running away. I’m only 13. What do I do?
THINGS TO DO FIRST:
- These situations sound terrifying and are likely to cause an array of emotions within you. The most important thing is your safety! Thank you for showing courage and reaching out to Teen Central for help.
- It is important that you remain safe both physically and emotionally. It is okay to ask for help if you feel unsafe! If you ever feel you are in danger, PLEASE CALL 911 or go to a local ER. On the Teen Central website under the “HELP” tab, there are numbers you can call to get help, including 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), to help kids being abused, or you can text HELLO to 741741 if making a call isn’t possible. These resources are available 24/7. Your safety is the most important thing.
- Additionally, there is a WHAT’S NEW BLOG that has a ton of information for someone in your situation. PLEASE READ IT and use the information to help yourself. There are people standing ready to help you. All you have to do is reach out to them. Click Here for the blog.
- You mentioned running away. When you feel like you are in danger often our brains tell us to flee or run from that danger. Before you pack up please read our resource “Three Things to Do Before Running Away“. Living out on your own is a lot harder than you might think especially at your age. We’d much rather see you get some help from the very real problems you are facing.
- Please find someone you trust to talk to or go to when you feel this way. This could be your aunt and uncle, a friend, neighbor, teacher, or guidance counselor. It is important to get help if you are in an unsafe situation. This person/or people can also help you cope with the situation you are in and all of the feelings it is causing you to have.
THINGS TO DO LATER:
- Have you ever journaled about your feelings? How do you feel during these encounters with your mom? What would you like your relationship with your mom to look like? Have you ever had a discussion with you mom when she is calm? Try writing these feelings down and it could open to door for a face to face discussion with your family. You can also journal about other things. What are your hopes and dreams? What brings you calmness? Click Here for other journaling ideas.
- There are some activities that can help you find peace or relief from the overwhelming emotions you may feel. They vary from calming such as yoga or deep breathing to releasing such as aerobic exercise. Try a variety of activities until you find something that is helpful to you. Find a friend to join in if you want. Sometimes doing things with a buddy can help provide support at the same time.
