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Dr. M is the author of five advice books for tweens and teens. Her latest is Where Should I Sit at Lunch? The Ultimate 24/7 Guide to Surviving the High School Years. She enjoys dancing, reading, working out and talking with young people about the issues that concern them. She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology.
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Liz, a first-year college student, is the co-author of three books: Ask Dr. M and Liz; Getting to Know the Real You: 50 Fun Quizzes Just for Girls, and Girls: What's So Bad About Being Good? She loves to dance, paint, make collages, hang out with friends and, of course, give advice.
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Dear Dr. M,
One of my best friends is going through some hard times. Her parents yell at her for things she hasn't even done, and then she has to get up and go through ridicule at school. She has been anorexic and bulimic, and now she's thinking about suicide. I can't get her to talk to an adult about this, and I don't seem to be helping. What should I do?
—Tessa, 16, Wyoming
Dear Tessa,
You're obviously doing the best you can to support your friend, who's having problems at school and at home. The fact that she developed eating disorders and is now thinking about suicide means that she needs professional help. You've tried to get her to talk to an adult, but since she won't listen, you need to go to an adult yourself now. Talk to a parent or a school guidance counselor, describing the serious situation your friend is in. Make sure you let the adult know that your friend may be suicidal. While the adults do what they need to do to help your friend, you can continue to play the role of caring and supportive friend, which is what your friend needs from you.
—Dr. M
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