[ShannonWX]

I am a 17 year old girl and I am trying to put myself in care. I am living with my mother and father at the moment and I feel like I am not wanted. I have been trying to run away and saying I am going to do stupid things. I am not happy here and I am very stressed out and depressed. They treat me like a stranger and like they don't want me here with them but they treat my little sister completely different. They push me aside and don't let me spend time with my friends but they allow her anything. I am really worried for myself, and wish I wasn't here with anyone.

In school I am bullied, and they don't try help me through it, they act as if noting is wrong. I am getting to the stage that I don't want to attend school because of this. What can I do to put myself into care and away from all this? If I don't do something soon I am afraid I will take my life or something just so I can be pain free.

[JudyKayTee]

You want to go into Foster Care? Talk to a guidance counsellor, clergy person. If the "school" won't talk to you, go higher than the person you have been taking to. Do you have a trust relative (grandparents, aunts, uncles) you can talk to?

There are very strict guidelines where bullying is concerned - what State are you in?

You are wise to realize this is very serious for you and you need help. What do your parents say in general about your feelings of sadness or depression? Or do they say nothing?

Have you been a problem for your parents? I don't understand why you can't spend time with friends.

You need to find an adult who will listen to you - can you think of anyone?

And, please, come back and let "us" know more about what is going on in your life. The teen years can be pretty upsetting - being bullied is inexcusable. Let's see if everyone here can take a look at what's going on and get you some help.

In the meantime - talk away! Sometimes just "venting" while looking for an answer is helpful.

I have a "baby" sister who could have held up a bank with a gun and my parents would have found an excuse for her - sometimes it happens.

[Fr_Chuck]

You are 17 and I don't see anything to say you are being harmed or being really mistreated. You feel sister is treated better.

Sorry life is not fair, so maybe she is, but I doubt it, most likely she feels the same about you.

Why not make plans on moving out when you are 18. AT 17 you should be at a point in your life where you can take care of yourself basically and just at home when not somewhere else anyway.

[awesomagic]

I noticed that you mentioned running away. There has to be more to you than that. Running away is what gutless cowards do. I don't mean for that to sound ugly, but you are worth so much more than hiding from a challenge. Speak up for yourself. Tell your parents what you've just told us and ask them for some advice. Be respectful (they are your parents) but also be direct with them. Times like this is where you learn to fight your own battles like an adult. Don't cuss, don't threaten, don't yell, don't whine. Ask direct questions and expect direct answers, but be respectful. If they refuse to participate in the conversation, then that should tell you something.

Don't blame anyone else, not your parents, not your sister. This could be just a misunderstanding, so be respectful. Use words like "sir" and "ma'am" and "thank you". If they are right about something, then admit to them that they are right. You'll earn their respect that way. If things don't go the way you hoped, then thank them for their attention and dismiss yourself. I give you these words because my personality dictates that I never back down... ever. If you don't feel comfortable with the direct approach then don't do it. Let us know how everything works out.