Maybe people are right. Maybe I am a fat, ugly and stupid girl. Maybe my sister and brother don't like me because they tell me no one likes me. Maybe, there is no place for me. Maybe, there is no point.

Does this sound familiar? When you are in middle school, high school or even younger, it is so hard and almost impossible to see that you have choices. These choices include making new friends, joining a club or participating in an activity that you will enjoy. There are steps you can take to make new friends in school and outside of school. It does take courage. I know how you feel. Do you want to go through school sitting alone or hiding out at lunch? What I want you to know is that you are perfect the way you are. Your siblings are dealing with their own self doubt. I would try not to put yourself in a situation where you are asking them to play with you. They should earn your friendship. I promise there are people out there who you will meet who will understand you. But, you can't expect the people who are hurting you to change. Be brave and kind to yourself and others and you will start feeling better.

Hi John,

Family members can really say and do horrible things to us. If they liked themselves or were comfortable in their own shoes, they would find a way to be nicer to you. Sometimes in families when there is a lack of love, brothers and sisters compete for their parent's attention and try to stand out by anyway possible. The "biggest" bully has the easiest time using h/her power, strength, age or body size to gain control of the person and the situation. If you are living with parents that are unavailable most of the time, I would reach out to an uncle, aunt, grandparent or other relative who can really see who you are and give you the time and love you deserve. You are not worthless. In fact, you are brave for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Don't allow people who are not kind to dictate how you should feel about yourself. Hang tough!