HEALTH

We’re so glad you realize you need some help. What’s important to know is that what you’re feeling isn’t really hunger. More likely, you’re feeling sad, upset, frustrated or angry. When we don’t deal with bad feelings directly, they churn inside us—sometimes mimicking the sensation we get when we’re hungry. And then we scarf junk, like chips and cookies. This is a bad idea. Here’s why: One, any relief food offers is short-lived. Two, junk is addictive—the more you eat, the more you crave. Three, as pounds pile on, self-esteem takes a nose dive. And the biggie? You’re burying the real problem—your feelings.

When this vicious cycle continues, girls can feel really hopeless. In rare cases, they may feel like a burden friends and family would be better off without. These are all possible signs of depression. Unlike ordinary bad moods, which come and go, depression often lasts.

The good news, though, is that it’s highly treatable. Whatever you do, don’t ignore your emotions. Ask to speak to a therapist who specializes in helping girls your age. You can learn different ways to handle your feelings so you’ll feel—and look—better.

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by GL | 2/1/2016