Homesick

Dear Suzie,

I'm 16 and have a care order on me. I live far from my family and friends. I have lived here for almost a year. I was settled here until I started getting really homesick. I started to run away a lot. I recently got suspended from school for hitting a teacher because I wanted to be with my family. I can't talk to anyone especially my social worker and so I started drinking. I drink nearly every day. It takes away my problems for a space of time. What can I do?

Who Cares? reader, Hampshire

Suzie's answer

Some sad and hurtful things have happened to you , it's not surprising you've reacted the way you have. Running away, hitting out and drinking are forgivable results of your history, they are cries for help that need a response.

If you said, "Listen, I'm really homesick" or "I miss people and feel angry and upset" to people you feel close to, they'd help with being in touch, and talking it though.

OK, up to now you haven't been able to but from today, you can! You can talk to someone you trust. No one else can help you until you begin to help yourself.