Hi all, these days, I really feel very depressed and upset.
I'm an foreign student who came to singapore to study. My elder sister is also here but my parents aren't. In my new school, I could not find a best friend who can understand me. Although I have some good friends, but they would not phone me or ask me out. Sometimes, I wanted to chit chat with my sister or hang around with her. But she usually ignored me and spend most of her time with her boyfriend. I feel stress here. I really miss my parents and friends from my hometown. I want to phone my parents, but I do not want them to worry about me. Nowadays, I would sob secretly. I tried to tell myself to calm down. But thinking of my parents, I could not stop my tears from rolling down. Can anyone give me any suggestion?

You are in a strange land, in a new school, absent your old social support network, and your sister is acting as older sisters usually do. Anyone in your circumstances would be feeling sad and apprehensive. In psychology we have a complicated term for it: you're homesick. The first thing I recommend is that you make that call to your parents and tell them how much you miss them. Will they worry? Sure. But they're worried anyway. A call will benefit you and your parents.

Beyond that you're transitioning into a new environment. Little by little things fall into place and you'll start to feel more at home there. You'll be fine. Now get on the phone with your parents.

How old are you Sky?

It might also be time to take the initiative and ask the friends you have out, instead of waiting for them to ask you to go out and do something.

Can you join a club, sports team etc. at your school?

If it isn't possible for you to return home, you will have to make do the best you can, and that is difficult I know, I've moved many times. But, making that effort to do something everyday, even a walk, or working out at a gym, will help you.

Keep your mind busy, and your spirit strong. I agree with Dr. Bill that you should call your parents. My guess is they would not at all be surprised to hear that you are down in the dumps going through this change in your life.

Why not make a plan with your friends to do something this weekend. I'll bet you'll be glad you did.

Thanks everyone. By the way, I'm 14 this year. I want to phone my parents but wouldn't they feel sad if I say that I'm unhappy?

You should be completely honest with your parents. You need some emotional support and that can be provided only when they understand your current emotional state. As parenting goes this isn't a major event. It's expected in parenting 101.

OK, I will phone them tomorrow. Thanks for your suggestion^^i feel better now