Annie's Mailbox Letter isn't typical of teenage anxiety

Dear Annie: I'm 14, and I think I am suffering from bipolar disorder -- high manic episodes quickly followed by full-blown depression, where I often cut myself to avoid committing suicide or hurting others.
The problem is, I'm not really sure if I have manic depression or if it's just teenage hormones going wild.
I would love to receive a proper diagnosis, but I don't know how to approach my parents and ask to see a psychiatrist or somebody. I'm afraid they'll just push it aside and tell me there's nothing to worry about.
Is there any way I can get them to take me seriously? And if they don't, could I see someone without parental consent? I would really like to get some help because the way I feel really sucks. Kurt Cobain's Would-Be Stalker
Dear Friend: What you describe doesn't sound like typical teenage angst. Please talk to your parents, and if you think they won't listen, talk to a favorite relative, family friend or your school counselor. You also can contact the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501, Chicago, Ill. 60610, (800) 826-3632 (www.dbsalliance.org). Keep us posted, honey. We're worried about you.
Dear Annie: I am a social worker who works primarily with the elderly and the disabled in their homes.
I have seen my clients receive pieces of official-looking mail, with a Washington, D.C., address and what looks like a government seal, offering to assist people with their government benefits, Social Security, Medicare, or the new Medicare prescription drug program. At the end of the letter, it asks them to complete a form and mail a check.
Please warn your readers that these letters are junk mail disguised as official information and are worthless. Official assistance and information on government benefits do not have any fees associated with them.
All of these services can be provided free of charge by local senior centers or advocacy groups such as The Center for Healthcare Rights (healthcarerights.org).
I see so many seniors treating this mail seriously, assuming they must respond or miss out on a needed program. People should take these letters to someone they trust before they are cheated out of thousands of dollars. Social Worker in Los Angeles
Dear Social Worker: Thank you for alerting our readers that official-looking mail asking for money is often a scam. Please, folks, do not send money to any organization without first checking it out.
Dear Annie: I just returned from the funeral of my favorite uncle. Needless to say, this was a sad event. However, this is the first time I have been furious with the minister.
Kindly advise anyone who is giving the eulogy to familiarize him- or herself with the family.
Write down the names of the surviving relatives. Know the person's profession and details regarding service in the armed forces. Call the survivors by name.
Do not ask the widow, "Now, who are you?"
Don't act as if the funeral is just one more chore for you to get over with.
Speak with compassion, and do your level best to be sincere. Above all, do not tell stories about yourself. This time is for the family of the deceased, not you. Do not brag about how many eulogies you have performed.
Please forgive the length of this letter, but I wanted to explain the aggravation of this situation. Furious Niece in Redding, Calif.
Dear Niece: We are certain that many clergy would be appalled to know that one of their own performed a funeral service without bothering to learn anything about the deceased. We hope this was an isolated incident. Please accept our condolences.
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@com-cast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox™, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, Ill. 60611.
Creators Syndicate