Dear L and S, I have been bullied by a group of students because of what I wear. They have been making me feel less confident in myself and making me doubt myself. It really hurts my feelings and I don’t know what to do. It feels like they hate me and I can’t help but think it is my fault. I have been thinking of telling my school counselor, but that’s really embarrassing. I feel like I should tell my parents but I just can’t find the courage to. They make me feel like I am not good enough for them and this is making me want to change. –  Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

We know how bullying feels. It is sort of like drowning in a pool of sadness. We know that most people don’t want to tell an adult they are being bullied, but it really helps, believe us. Bullying is a very serious issue. One out of every five teenage students is being bullied. Those people are being bullied verbally and even physically, which can lead to depression and other mental health problems. One first step to solving the problem might be sticking up for yourself. If that doesn’t work you should notify an adult. Even if it seems like snitching, or is embarrassing, it is for your own good. The people who are bullying you are most likely jealous or could even have issues at home that need to be resolved. Don’t change yourself because they want you to, and if you’re going to change, do it because you want to. Don’t hang out with them even if they are “cool and popular'” because they are most often not good influences.

– L and S