I've been really depressed lately, and I'm feeling extremely insecure. I also don't feel like telling my parents because anytime I tell them something they say, "Oh, it's just in your head; don't think about it."

I try every day not to think about it, but nothing seems to help me, and I'm scared. There's a new website called formspring — I made an account for it and all people write are things like you're ugly, no one wants you in this world and it brings me down.

Can you help me find a way to talk to my parents about this?

Hey girl, first of all, I'm so sorry you're feeling this way and your parents aren't listening. It takes guts to tell someone that something is wrong, and you were brave telling your folks how you're feeling. Understand when your parents say, “it's just in your head,” it's not that they don't want to help you. They just may not be aware of how serious your feelings really are.

Shut out the hate (from formspring) and have a heart-to-heart with your parents, your guidance counselor, a trusted relative — anyone who will take you seriously and give you help. You shouldn't have to face your feelings alone, and you won't if you continue to speak up.

First thing first, if people from your school are posting on your formspring, print out the page and show your parents what people are writing. From there, take it to a school counselor or administrator. What your peers are doing is cyberbullying, and it's something an adult needs to be notified of so they can discipline the people doing it.

Know you're not the only person this is happening to too — cyberbullying affects so many people. Follow Demi Lovato's example and speak up and tell others. Once you have, delete your formspring and shut out that kind of negativity.

Often with bullies, the kids are just being mean to you to compensate for their own insecurities. Don't let them win and bring you down. Teach them the right lesson — what they are doing is wrong — by letting an adult know.

With the comments from your formspring in hand, let your parents know you need to have a serious talk with them. Tell them the feelings you're feeling aren't just in your head; they're more serious. Show them the comments and explain what you're going through. It may be painful, but they need to know this isn't just something to shrug off.

If you're still in school, I would also suggest talking to a guidance counselor about your feelings as well; they are trained to help people and can give you the resources you need to beat your depression. With any adult, don't be afraid to speak up and don't hide your feelings. Think of it like a doctor's visit: if you don't tell a doc all your symptoms, how can they give you the right medicine to get better?

Know you're not alone in what you're going through. Everyone feels insecure and sad at times. The key to beating the blues, however, is realizing you are important and special. Combat negativity with positivity, whether it involves leaving encouraging notes for yourself or countering every negative thought you have with two positive ones. Make a challenge to spread joy to other people's lives by complimenting them as well and you'll soon find that the same joy will be returned.

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