Can I run away to another country? I'm 16 almost 17...

[Guest]

I honestly hate my life. I have never felt so miserable. I am so spoiled and I can't take this lifestyle anymore. My mom and dad never do anything directly abusive, but they are trying to control my life...everything I do..I have everything but I just want to leave it all. I can not spend another almost 2 years in this hellhole. I just want to run away-if I buy a plane ticket and start a life in Costa Rica how would the police react? Could I get out of the country? I am sorry...I do not know why I feel this way...but I want to die everyday because of how miserable I am...my little sister is too. I have already talked to my parents about sending me to boarding school but they said no. I absolutely hate it here, and just want to start my life with my boyfriend and his family who will take care of me in Costa Rica. My real questions are: can I make it out of the country? What database do they put me in as a 16 year old runaway? Could my parents come searching for me? Could the Costa Rican police find out I am a runaway? Can they flag my passport until I am 18?
Thank you..

[ccsmod7]

Hello,

It sounds like you are having a tough time at home. Your parents are trying to control your actions and you feel like there are no other options than leaving. It must be difficult to feel like you have no control over how your life goes when you are at home. Have you expressed to your parents and/or a school counselor about how you feel?

Your feelings are important and if you are ever seriously thinking about hurting yourself, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They can be reached over the phone at 1-800-273-8255 or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. They are available 24/7 and are a great resource to help you with any thoughts of suicide, self-harm, depression, or anxiety.

As far as running away to Costa Rica, we are not legal experts here at National Runaway Safeline so we can’t speak to what the Costa Rican police would do if they were to find out that you ran away.

If you ever want to talk about it feel free to give us a call at 1-800-Runaway, (786-2929). We are here 24/7 and are always confidential.