I am 15 years of age and I have had a lot of problems in the past to do with child abuse and self-harm and stuff like that. I am now always feeling depressed and I always feel like I want to throw the rope up but I don't want to talk to a counselor or family or friends or stranger.. what should I do??

You aren't going to get far without talking...

You may hate the idea... and it will most likely SUCK MAJOR A$$.. but go to a therapist. When you do (not IF... WHEN.. you have to!! ) make sure you feel comfortable... just chat.. if you don't feel an instant sense of ease with the therapist.. look for another. But you must do this. I does help. Sometimes it takes a while... but it DOES help.

And don't you dare "Throw the rope up" unless you are hangin a tire to swing on. :) chin up.

Talking to a therapist is one of the best things you can do. I had a lot of personal problems I was going through when I was your age. I never wanted to talk to anyone about them. I held onto all of that stuff until I was in college. It eventually got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore and felt like I was going to explode. Therapists are really there to help out, and if you let them then you can get a lot out of their sessions. If you don't feel comfortable with a counselor then at least go to someone and vent and let it all off your chest. The only thing is that a counselor will help you through those problems.

Than talk to us if you don't want to talk to anyone else.

You will get more professional help from an experienced counselor but no one can force you.

When I was a teenager I saw a shrink and I loved it. It helped me to understand so many things. I had a screwed up childhood as well.More neglect than abuse but still sucky.

So tell us what brought you here?

It's a great thing that you reached out.Its shows courage and a will to live.A part of you wants to keep on ,let that part be your guide.

15 is such a hard age,your not a kid,your not an adult,but you feel very much like an adult.Especially if you have lived through pain,it ages you quickly.

Believe me dear ,whatever you have experienced someone here has also ,perhaps even worse. But your pain is your pain,so share your story and hopefully someone will give you the insight you need.

Get back to us and we will listen and try to help. What has happened in your young life to make you want to throw in the towel?

Remember that dead is forever.You are too young and life can change and get better.There are ways and we can help you figure that out.It may seem impossible right now but I swear it is true.

Get back and lets talk... Michele

I'm a counselor. My clients (men, women, teens) tell me, it's so wonderful to unload on someone who actually listens to me but doesn't tell me what to do.

Find a therapist who lets you talk about video games and school stuff and girls and cars and your dog and everything under the sun that interests you, but doesn't try to control you and doesn't tell you what to do. A good therapist is one who, in his or her own skillful way, lets you figure out on your own what to do.