Expert: Dan - 10/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am 16 years old, and my parents and I have not been getting a long for a while now. we got in a huge fight this morning which ended up with me just leaving the house and walking to school. I have a job, i get good grades (except for English) but all they do is point out my negatives. I have a 19 year old boyfriend...which they don't exactly know we're dating....but don't approve at all. which upsets me because lately I'm only happy when I'm around him. being at home is  a nightmare, someone is always yelling at someone. i feel very trapped. i try to talk to my guidance counselor, but he just laughs and says things such as "hang in there, kiddo" or "it should get better at home soon". I feel sick when I'm at home, and people are noticing how I'm not as happy as i used to be. I feel very lost and sad, it feels like there is no one to talk to. what should i do?

ANSWER: Hi,
Can I ask your state? I can recommend a hotline for help in your state. I recommend a family psychologist with your parents. Please ask follow ups asap.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Massachusetts. and my parents refuse to go to any psychologists, they think nothings wrong.

Answer
Hi,
I wonder if child services can help you out. Based on the above, I don't know. Here is their website:

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2agencylanding&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Dep

You can email me to talk to me whenever you want and I will try to reply. Here is a third party hotline for advice also:

www.nineline.org/

I also recommend James Windell Parenting Teen expert here. Please ask follow ups


P.S. I had a similar issue to the one above and a trusted teacher of mine helped me out. If your life is in danger contact the police. Legally I must say this