12-23-2008, 07:22 PM
I'm very sorry that you've had to go through something like that, sometimes society just isn't as accepting as it should be.First, it's gonna be hard, but realize that it's not your fault. We all have strengths and weaknesses, even the people who seem to be so"perfect", I mean, look at how many celebrities have issues, and they're what we put on the covers of magazines! Finding self esteem when you're depressed can be a long and tough journey, but it can be the most rewarding. And who defines what's'normal'anyway? It's just all society's silly constructed definition. I think the biggest step for you will be to realize that these other people are unfounded in their ridiculously rude behavior. You deserve just as much respect as anyone else. Besides, I'm sure you have more strengths than you really realize because you've spent so much time letting them get to you. You should value the amazing things about you : )Secondly, you have to realize that often people make fun of things that they don't understand. It's lame that your school didn't have some more help for promoting different types of diversity, but you're not the only person struggling with this problem. People of all ages feel better when they make fun of others, maybe because it makes them feel part of the'in'crowd, but it often stems from the fact that, guess what? They feel bad about themselves or need self esteem help too!Third, there may be people in your area that get together for a support group. This could help you meet some friends. You could look around online and in community postings. Most people who have been through similar things understand how awful it feels to be prejudged for things beyond their control (I have heard this many times from people with all types of disabilities) and tend to be very accepting, which can lead to a very fulfilling friendship.I hope that you feel better, no one deserves to be put through some of the crap that kids put each other through!
|