I want to runaway because of my abusive parents

[Guest]

I'm 14 and my parents are emotionally abusive. They use me, berate me, point out all my flaws, ignore my mental health, etc. My mom has embarrassed me in public on purpose because she thinks it's funny and likes the attention. She used to refuse to let me have friends because she thinks everyone is a druggie. If I got in trouble due to my ADHD (not being able to focus and not being able to finish my work) she claimed I was lazy, irresponsible, stupid, or had too many friends. She told me to stop making friends, to stop talking to people, that "nobody actually liked me they just wanted to be nice". She still says things like this to me. It makes me hate myself, I feel worthless and useless because of her. And when I came out as transgender to her and my stepdad they said I was a "confused lesbian" and to never talk about it again. When I was diagnosed with bipolar and prescribed meds, my stepdad said I should stop taking them because I didn't need them and I was just a whiny, overdramatic teen. They've said that they would beat me if we didn't live with my grandparents because "kids are there for parents to yell at and use as slaves" (actual quote from them and they were being dead serious). I've been called lazy for not being to help around the house when I'm hurt/sick. So much has happened that it's hard to even remember everything. I've thought about running away since I was 11 and I think I'm going to finally do it because I can't put up with what they say to me and how they treat me but I don't know if this is a good reason to do it. Am I being overdramatic? Or should i actually get away from my parents?

[ccsmod9]

Thanks so much for reaching out to National Runaway Safeline! We understand that it can be difficult to constantly hear things that often hurt and tear down. No one deserves to be put down or shamed for their mental illness or identity. We want you to know that we are here to listen and help you through your current situation.

From what we gather from your story there are many examples of verbal/physical abuse that you have endured. That can be something painful to go through especially from family members. It does not sound like you are being overdramatic but rather you sound like you have all the facts and have seen this as a pattern in your daily life. As far as telling you to do something or not we cannot say, that is your decision to make. What we can say is that our hope is that you make whatever decision you make it is the safest and wisest for your situation. If you ever do feel like your safety is at risk know that you do have the right to tell someone. You can tell a school official, call the Police, a family friend etc. Another option is to call the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453). As far as running away if you choose to run away you are technically a minor and your guardians can file a report. What this means is that if you run into the Police they will take you back home. If you need any resources as far as shelters, food pantries, etc. you can reach out to us at 1-800-Runaway or visit our website (www.1800runaway .org) and choose the chat option. If you would like another resource for shelters another option is the National Safe Place. You send (Safe & Location) to 69866 and they will send an crisis worker to help get you the resources you need.

Again we want to thank you for reaching out. It takes a lot of bravery to seek help and tell your story. We want to commend you for that and continue to help in any way we can! If you have any more questions or concern please feel free to contact us at 1-800-Runaway or our website www.1800runaway .org for the chat option there. We hope you find a solution to your current situation!

Best Wishes-NRS

[Guest]

Hello, I am also struggling in similar areas. My wanting to run away is more of wanting to be free and live a life I like, though. I'm 12, almost 13, and I've also been wanting to run away since I was 11. I packed and almost left at one point but was caught. The thought of being alone for so long, with no one to look to is very sad and scary, but in the end, it's quite the same if I stay. All the people I "look to" for help and support never really help. I don't know what to do, and I see that you don't either, so I just thought I might say something. This has turned more into a rant than anything, but have a nice day~

[ccsmod9]

Thanks again for reaching out and sharing your story. We recognize every story is unique but that we can build each other up by supporting one another, That is an awesome way of helping others through their issues as well.
From what we gather about your story is that you feel as though all the people that should be wanting to help, or that whatever they help in is so little there hasn’t been a change. That is a difficult situation to be in since you deserve to be loved and heard. You do not deserve to be left off to the side at all. Rather you deserve people who are going to walk alongside you and help get you on your feet. Just know that if you are looking for options near you, you have the ability to call us at (1-800-786-2929) or our chat option online (www.1800runaway.org). From there we will be able to help you in a more in depth manner. Please know that you can also reach out to friends, family, school personnel or even the police in any given situation. You are not alone in this journey there are people who wish to help.
Again we want to thank you for reaching out to us. We know it can be difficult to be in a tough spot but we want you to know that we are to help and listen as best we can. If for any reason you find yourself with more questions or concerns feel free to reach out to us at our hotline (1-800-786-2929) or out chat option online www.1800runaway.org . We hope that this information can help give you a better view of the options you have.
Best Wishes- NRS