Teen feels overwhelmed as challenges pile up

Dear Abby: I’m a teen girl having some trouble right now. I was in an abusive family. Most of my life, I was bullied because I separated from them because they were doing drugs. I have serious depression, and my foster family hasn’t noticed.

I had a best friend who helped me through the pain, but she started showing her true colors and turned out to be a jerk. I am also having trouble finding someone who will love me.

Everyone treats me like a little kid, even though I’m the oldest.

Depressed Girl In Iowa

Dear Depressed Girl:

You have had some hurdles to climb, but you are in your teens and not a “little kid.” You should not be keeping your sadness bottled up inside. That’s why it’s important you find a trusted adult you can talk with about your feelings. If you are in school, a counselor or teacher you trust may be able to provide the support and understanding you are looking for.

While most people want to find someone to love who will love them back, I think you would be wise to put that on the back burner until you are stronger emotionally. Dear Abby: I committed a sin with my husband’s brother many years ago that I have regretted ever since. I have confessed to God, but I need to tell someone.

My husband was not very affectionate, but we went on to have a family and many good years together. I guess I don’t feel I deserved all those blessings. How can I get rid of this feeling of guilt for what I did?

Evil Lady In The South

Dear Lady: Because you won’t allow me to absolve you from the “one sin you committed many years ago,” please discuss it with a religious adviser. If you are afraid to do that with your own priest, pastor, rabbi, etc., make an appointment to talk with one in a different community. While you may be racked with guilt, believe me, nothing you confess is something they haven’t heard before.

Dear Abby: My mother recently passed away. My family and I miss her every day. Her funeral was prepaid, so there were no additional expenses. In the funeral notice, we asked that people give memorials of money to the charity listed, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

My co-workers collected money and gave it to me. Was the money intended to be a charitable donation from them in my mother’s honor, or was it meant for me personally? I’m confused.

Confused In Minnesota

Dear Confused: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your mother. Because your co-workers didn’t specify otherwise, assume they followed the guidelines in the obituary and the money is for charity. Thank them for their generosity and leave it at that.