Dear Jean:

I am 14 and I have just moved from Florida and I now live in Utah. Ever since the move I have taken on an almost entirely new behavior; I will give you an example: When I was in Florida I was a very passive person, not a complete pushover mind you but still just the quiet girl sitting in the corner. Now it's almost as if I am looking for a reason to fight (I have been in several during the first months of the school year.) I do not know why though. I just feel this passion inside that cannot be contained. I cannot function properly at school if I am embroiled in some kind of violent act (verbal or otherwise) everytime someone gives me a hard time (this includes teachers). I need your opinion on this: do you think I need to get help from a psychologist or therapist? I honestly believe I do because it feels good to fight, in a way I can't quite put my finger on that makes me a bit uncomfortable. I know I'm not making too much sense, but you must believe me. Please email me back. Thank you.

Jean responds:

Hi,
Yes, I do believe you should talk with a professional counselor or therapist about your new behavior. You seem very insightful and intelligent: for instance, you recognize that "something is going on," that you have changed, and that you cannot account for the change and find it undesirable. That's what therapists are for: to help us understand the stuff about ourselves that we can't quite understand on our own.

Talk to your parents or to the school counselor if there is one there about getting some help. And good luck! You are on the right track in trying to do something to figure out why there has been such a personality change.

Jean.

Disclaimer: Ms. Walbridge's response to your question is intended to be educational and informative. It is not a substitute for face to face consultation or psychotherapy with a mental health professional.

top of page