I really need help.

[Guest]

Hi, my name is Michael, and I'm 17 going on 18.

I have been homeschooled my entire life, and my parents have always had a job that requires us to travel around the country. I've lived in seven different cities...this all means that it has always been impossible to make friends because we just have to move, and I finally decided to stop trying because I can't handle losing people I care about over and over again.

My Mom has been my ''teacher'' all these years and has always forced me to complete these school lists that she writes out for me, but I don't feel like they're doing anything for me anymore.

My parents do company surveys...which means I have to get dragged along in the car. We always drive in silence and walk around in silence, which I can't stand, especially when I see other families constantly chatting about their lives and such.

My family is riddled with health problems but we can't see a doctor. I'm tired of not even knowing what's wrong with me.

Because of our family's INSANE schedule, I have to go to sleep right when the sun comes up and get up in the late afternoon. I hate this. I feel so lonely, disconnected from the world, and hurt that I cry until my eyes are blood red. If it wasn't for my pets, I probably would have gone insane by now.

I just want to be able to do things with people my own age. What should I do?

[ccsmod5]

re: I really need help.

Hey there,

Thank you for being able to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline. It seems like you are going through quite a bit at this point in your life and we want you to know that we are here to listen and to help in the best way that we can. It sounds like you have been feeling pretty sheltered and want to start your own life.

We want to start off by letting you know that if you are concerned for your health and feel like you need medical attention, you are able to call 911 for assistance. Another option could be to contact child services to see if something could be done in order for you to receive the medical attention you need. If you would like to know what the number for your area’s child service agency is, we would encourage you to reach out to Child Help USA their number is 1-800-422-4453.

We do want to let you know of a hotline/online service named Teen Line. They are a hotline and chat service program ran by teens for teens. You mentioned that you wish you had people your own age that you would be able to talk to, perhaps they are a resource that would be able to provide support for you and to talk to youth your age. Their website is www.TeenLineOnline.org and their hotline number is 310-855-4673.

We hope that we are able to give you some general information about what we do and how we could help. Please remember that our hotline is available 24/7 and could be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). We also have a live chat program that is available every day from 4:30 PM until 11:30 PM CST. We wish you the best of luck and hope to get your call or chat soon.

Stay strong,

NRS