Dustin, being a teenager is tough!

When I was a teenager I was battling an awful depression. People would tell me that this was the best years of my life......It was agonizing for me and needless to say that was one of the reasons I wanted to end it! I felt like I was the only teenager who felt that way.

I would watch people, other teenagers, and assume that they had it all together. I don't think they did either, some people are just better actors than others. And how do I know this....

I have four children. When the first three became teenagers and I noticed some teenage agnst I would tell them..."People will tell you that these are the best years of your life, they aren't, they are some of the most difficult. It will get better!"

But my youngest seemed to have it all together. I didn't want to tell her these weren't the best years of her life. Heck maybe she did have it all together! I was so proud Guess what, she was the best actor . I missed the signs of trouble, she seemed so involved so happy. She wasn't! She worked so hard to try to keep it together for everyone else, that she fell into a deep depression. That is when I gave her the belated "People say..........etc."

She made it, it was hard work. She took medication, had a hospitalization, missed quite a bit of school, lost some friends (if they really could be called friends),but she made it. And so will you!

Just keep talking, asking questions and go easy on youself. Get your education and remember, being a teenager is tough, being an adult is a lot more fun!


Please take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.