Racial harassment
I am 16 years of age and have recently shifted to a new city and a new school. I am feeling alienated as everyone has a group except me. The students have been bullying me about my South Indian accent and the way I look. My teachers are aware but do not do anything about it. I want to fit in with them but I don’t know how I can do that. What should I do to show them that I am not what they think?
Ans: Trying to fit in and be like others is compromising on your individuality. It isn’t important for everyone in your school to accept the way you are. Thus, to make others accept you, thinking that you have to do something might bring out lot more stress than necessary. You can start by being comfortable with those who do not partake in bullying you and also not be silent about the bullying. if teachers are not being helpful approach higher authorities to help you.
Inescapable situation
I am in an abusive relationship. I do not have the courage to call for help as he threatened to hurt me. I do not know who to talk to as I do not want to stress my parents out. How should I break all relations and connections with him in a safe manner so that he does not try to hurt me?
Ans: The more the delay in seeking legal help, the difficult to pull yourself out of this situation. seeking help from some professionals can be a good start. Hire a lawyer, involve few important family members who can help you and you can trust them, involving people whom you can trust is essential as you will need all the support that you can garner.
Breaking the silence
Sexuality is a very sore topic among us Indians. Moreover, it is illegal to be open about it and be ourselves. I am 18 years old, struggling with this problem, bisexual and do not know how to tell my family and friends. I am scared of being an outcast. I do not want to let my parents down in any way. I don’t know if the people around me will be accepting. I do not want to hide this side of me and want to be free. I cannot deny the fact that I care what society thinks of me. How should I break the ice and tell my parents and friends in a rational manner?
Ans: You can start by collecting matter to explain your parents and friends what bisexuality is. Many a times there are misconceptions amongst people who do not understand the different sexualities and the prevalence. there might be initial resistance so to ease out the environment you can also approach a professional who can better explain your parents in a rational way. If you have any existing doubts about the sexuality get those cleared as well.
A cornered child
My problem is with my parents. They do not support me in my endeavours. I have always felt cornered when my brother is there. They do not show as much interest in my life and this bothers me. Since both of them work, it feels like I do not have enough time to spend with them. As a teenager, I need a lot of advice from my mother especially but I don’t know how to ask her. What should I do about the situation? Should I talk to them about it just let it pass if it is a phase?
Ans: Communicating with your parents is always a better choice than to leave things unsaid. if you are feeling neglected and have things to talk about do initiate the conversation. If you go ahead and do things as per your understanding and fail, it might leave a negative impact on all of you. Clue them into what’s bothering you so that they can be there for you when there is any issue. Speak to your mother about whatever is bothering you rather than letting it slide.
Resurfacing panic attacks
I have always had anxiety issues. I’ve been the younger of the two siblings and have always been the non-assertive one in the family. Recently, I started experiencing my panic attacks again and it had a lot to do with issues I’m having with my boyfriend. I don’t mean to use this as an excuse with him but I’m very upset with the fact that he is choosing to break up with me right now despite knowing about this. I feel alone and I feel like no one understands what I’m going through. I don’t know how to deal with this, please help me.
Ans: the first step towards dealing with this is to involve someone who you are close to and confide into him/her. Panic attacks could sometimes be detrimental to an extent where it’s better to be around someone who knows how to work with you. This also helps in catharsis of your emotions as building up of anxiety is also due to bottling up of emotions. If the condition worsens, you can seek help professionally and also look in to the aspect of medications to combat panic attacks.
