I’m a youth and I want to runaway.

[Guest]

At this point, my life is horrible. My mom yells at me 24/7 and she doesn’t care about me. I feel unsupported and unloved. My uncle and grandfather are dying, and everyone keeps saying “they need you” but when I needed them they were no where to be found. I’m tired of constantly being put down by my family. I just want to live my life, but my family is making me feel so worthless. I want to run away. Despite how dangerous it is, it’s the only way to get away from my horrible reality. If I do runaway, and they call the cops I’m NOT going back home. I’m only a minor, (13) and I was to runaway. I don’t see a reason not to. I just want to have peace and quiet, and the only way to do that is leaving home and never coming back, if I’m lucky enough...if I runaway I’d probably kill me. I don’t know what else to do so..

[ccsmod11]

Hi there,

It sounds like the situation you are in is very difficult. We at NRS are here to support you. If you feed the need to chat or speak to someone trained in youth crisis interventions, you can reach us 24/7, toll free at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through our digital chat services at www.1800runaway.com.

With all the extra stress surrounding the health of the elder members of your family, everyone is likely stressed right now. Dealing with long term chronic illness can strand even the most supportive of families, so you are definitely not the only person to feel this way. For someone in your situation it is important to rely on your support network in times of great hardship. These individuals can include your friends, teachers or school resource officers. This way, you can talk to them and let out all of your feelings in a supportive and friendly environment. Sometimes people use professional therapist that can be done in person or as a family. If you feel that these might help, ask your parents their thoughts on pursing this avenue. It is important that you feel loved and supported at home regardless of the extraneous circumstances surrounding your family because you are not worthless and clearly have much to offer. If you ever feel the need to harm yourself or others, we encourage you to reach out to us at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) directly or the National Suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255. During times of great stress often people have found solace in doing the things that they enjoy. It might be helpful for you to find something that you relish, be it sports, music, art, or something else, and continue to partake in those fun activities throughout your families’ illness.

Unfortunately, if you decide to run away from your parents and are picked up the police they will likely take you back home to your family. If you refuse, depending on your age, they will force you to go with them. Although running away is not necessarily a crime, help a runaway could be considered a crime. In this way, if someone is helping you to dodge the police or runaway they could be charged with a crime themselves.

We wish you the best through these most difficult of times. Stay strong as you deal with things. If you need to talk to someone, we are always here for you (1-800-RUNAWAY).

Stay strong my friend,

NRS