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Teen Sex, Drinking & Depression

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

High School Confidential explores the turbulent world of teen girls.

This eye-opening docu-series, which premiered last week on We tv, follows 12 girls from freshman year to graduation, showing all sides of their experience. The girls battle depression, self-esteem issues, drinking, death and on last night's episode, the focus was on Jesse who battled both depression and teen pregnancy...

We caught up with Bobbi, Jesse's mom, to get her reaction to her daughter's drinking, sexual activity and depression.

Your daughter Jesse was very open about everything. Did she reveal anything that shocked you?
When Jesse was approached about doing the show, I said to her she had to be extremely honest and open if she decided to be a part of it. She couldn't hold anything back and had to make this decision not knowing what the four years of high school would bring.

I was surprised by a few things including the amount of partying she did at her friend's house. I knew she drank a little and the amount shocked me. I was also taken back by the sexual things happening among her and her friends.

Jesse thought she was pregnant and had to come to you with that information... what was your initial reaction?
I was so disappointed in her. I started talking to her about abstinence when she was in junior high school but also taught her about safe sex because I wanted to be realistic and make sure she had all the information needed.

I became a single mom when I was 30 and had a tough time juggling everything from being both a mom and dad to her, working full time and worrying about our finances. And because of this struggle, I knew it was important for her to avoid becoming a single teen parent.

I really believe kids are more sexually active now and it starts at younger and younger ages. Parents need to accept what is going on and talk to their kids about abstinence but also safe sex.

Your daughter also battled depression...how did you handle this?
Jesse's depression really began freshman year and it is amazing what can push a teenager into depression. What seems like nothing to us is devastating to a teen.

She grew-up apart with a good friend and was diagnosed with ADD her freshmen year and soon after had to be medicated for depression. Jesse took a turn for the worst after a break-up with her boyfriend and becoming immune to her medicine.

I was blessed enough to know that something was seriously wrong and got her to the hospital. What I didn't know at the time was that she was contemplating suicide. All parents need to be aware and on the look out for signs of depression because your kids will not come to you when something is wrong.

How's Jesse doing today?

Jesse is on no medication, lives on her own, and paying her bills. She attempted to go to school in Los Angeles after graduation but was not emotionally ready for such a big step. She is taking time know to experience life before making another big decision.



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3 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

 
well im also a teen and have seen this life and have realised that its killing young teens only because we are ignorant but if mothers could just start a commity that says no to all this by begining to say no to your teenage child going out late at night,control or change begins with you at home,lay down some principles your child has no choice but to live by them you as a parent dont have to answer to them its them to you.dont be a friend and forget to be a parent.
- pony
Posted 03/25/08 10:02 AM
 
This is so true. As a mom I agree with you. We need to say no and deal with the the yelling and anger when it happens.
- miche
Posted 03/25/08 10:17 AM
 
Very nice site!
- John698
Posted 05/18/09 03:45 AM
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