How do I respond to a depressed, lonely online teen?!
Question: How do I respond to a depressed, lonely online teen!?
I run a small online store, and I just got an e-mail from a young teen (someone I've never met) telling me about all her problems and desperately asking to be part of my store!. Of course, this is not possible at all, but she pleads so many times in the e-mail for me not to throw it away, that I feel I should respond!.
I want to be kind, but it seems like such a delicate situation!.!.!. any advice on what do!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
I want to be kind, but it seems like such a delicate situation!.!.!. any advice on what do!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Maybe you can refer her, kindly, to the Girls and Boys town hotline 800!.448!.3000!.
Also she can call 800!.LIFENET where she can be referred to a counselor or therapist in her area!.
I think Dove also sponsors programs which help young women with self-esteem etc!.,
Although online groups can be helpful, they may also be breeding grounds for people looking to prey upon the inexperienced and innocent!.
You wouldn't want her to think that you don't have time for her!. This is probably the reason she is reaching out to a stranger!.
Congratulations on taking time to help this young lady out!. Like this young girl, I didn't have the guidance needed when I was younger and ended up with the wrong people taking advantage of me!. I'm happy that you've recognized your role in helping this lady getting on the right path!. No matter how small your deed, you're to be commended!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Also she can call 800!.LIFENET where she can be referred to a counselor or therapist in her area!.
I think Dove also sponsors programs which help young women with self-esteem etc!.,
Although online groups can be helpful, they may also be breeding grounds for people looking to prey upon the inexperienced and innocent!.
You wouldn't want her to think that you don't have time for her!. This is probably the reason she is reaching out to a stranger!.
Congratulations on taking time to help this young lady out!. Like this young girl, I didn't have the guidance needed when I was younger and ended up with the wrong people taking advantage of me!. I'm happy that you've recognized your role in helping this lady getting on the right path!. No matter how small your deed, you're to be commended!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
direct her to a place like "live journal" she can open an account for free and post her problems!. Tell her you will visit about once a week!.!. In time she might develop some internet friends there (this is a better site than "facebook or my space"
there is no spam or obscene cruising!. Sites can be locked to prevent anyone except designated people from reading but even an open site will be nice!. OR she may have developed a liking for you (crush) and may be more difficult to discourage!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
there is no spam or obscene cruising!. Sites can be locked to prevent anyone except designated people from reading but even an open site will be nice!. OR she may have developed a liking for you (crush) and may be more difficult to discourage!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Tell her that she has a lot of value, and has the ability to help a lot of people in her life!. Tell her that she's not alone, and she has people out there who care a lot about her!. Tell her that although it's not possible for you to take her in your store, you care about her safety and want her to be happy!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
This teen is obviously going through some problems, and being away from home seems to be the only alternative, so break it to her easliy and mabey give her some other options, like another place to work!. hope this helps!. best of luck!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Advise the youngster to seek professional help as soon as possible!. School counselors sometimes are tremendously helpful in situations like yours!.Www@Answer-Health@Com