Teen girl worries about family's future
Dear Amy: I am a teenage girl stuck in a dysfunctional household.
My parents can't stand the sight of each other. They complain about the other one to me and my younger brother.
All of this has taken a mental and emotional toll on us.
I have developed pretty strong anger issues and have broken many doors and light switches, becoming enraged when my parents scream at each other. My brother has panic attacks due to this, and I am often the one consoling him during their heated arguments.
I can't sit them down and ask if they can divorce; my dad barely makes enough money to cover our tuition, and I can't hurt them like that.
I leave for college in two years, but the thought of leaving my brother behind brings me to tears.
I really need some sort of guidance and advice.
-- Troubled Teen
Dear Troubled: I am so sorry that your home life is like this. Every kid deserves better, and yet sadly many homes are like yours.
If you have a favorite teacher, librarian or counselor at school, it could really help to talk this out, and receive supportive guidance from an adult.
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