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[Mele1125]

Hi. My name is Mele and I am 16 years old. I was diagnosed with body dysmorphia, dysthymia(mild depression), and mild anxiety when I was 11 when I was hospitalized for attempted suicide. I went to therapy for about 5 months before moving to a different country. My parents aren't around a lot and so after the short period of help, I was back on my own. It's been 5 years since that and today I'm not any better. I have hard time opening up to people irl and I hope I can use this site to connect with others and as an outlet. Thanks

[Mele1125]

Thank you

[hope4thebestnow]

Hi! just know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. please, share how you feel. I'm here because my son suffers from anxiety, and I would love to learn how to help him. He is 15.

I'll be here learning. Let's do this together.

[Mele1125 in reply to hope4thebestnow]

Thank you. Your son is lucky to have you care about him and I wish you both the best as well ❤️

[NoelleLovesBooks]

Oh Mele1125. My heart goes out to you. I had a parent/caregiver in my home who constantly criticized my physical appearance growing up. I had bad acne and a myriad of other insecurities. I was bullied at school and at home. It was pretty bad. I learned to hate myself and not feel good enough because that's the message I got from others. From those who were supposed to love and cherish me. I will try to say to you what I needed to hear when I was a teen and what I know to be true: you are brilliant. You are brave. You are enough. You don't have to be perfect to be beautiful, you just have to be you. It's ok if you don't believe me. It's ok if you can't. Reaching out and asking for help is courageous. It makes you strong, not weak. It makes you smart. It will help in time. Talk to a doctor. Find connection online and in good friends who love you no matter what kind of day you're having (and you will find them- all you need is one or two). You will come to see that beauty and youth are fleeting. And you will come to see that your struggles make you a kinder, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more loving human. Hang in there and don't give up. It's hard to see your way through the dark sometimes. It's hard to imagine a day when you won't feel like this, but it will come. You can create a life for yourself full of the kind of people and experiences that fill your bucket. You bring something unique and special to the world. And the world is better for you being in it. You are not alone. I am here, and I don't know you, but I love you. You are loved. xo