Hello, all, ...

[Dakarakai]

... my name's Helena. I'm seventeen, live in Alabama, and am entirely in a locked closet that's welded shut (but has internet access, of course!). I'm still finding things out about myself, but figured that this was about as good a place as any to start building myself up.

That's about all I can think to type, so, just to reiterate, hi!

[Devlyn]

Hi Helena, welcome to Susans! We're glad you found us, now we just need to get you out of that closet! See you around, hugs, Tracey

[Jennifer]

Hi Helena   Nice to meet you! This is a GREAT place to start, good luck on your journey.

Jennifer

[Jeneva]

Welcome!

Don't be too afraid to let people in to help you.

If you can find a local therapist it may help.  I've found that even in a severely religious and socially backwards area that I don't get the responses I was afraid of getting when I speak to educated professionals (doctors/therapist/etc).  Of course if you are planning on college then perhaps  you can be safer there.

[Nathan.]

Hi Helena, welcome to Susans 

[King Malachite]

Hey Helena, welcome to this place!  I'm shut in a closet too with internet access building myself up here too so congrats on trying to find yourself and one day we won't need to hide

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Helena,

Welcome to the best family on the Net, bar none. You are not alone in your predicament. Many of us have been there before you. It's a good place to be, for the time being while you learn more about yourself. Quite safe and non intimidating.

You'll want to move out of there in your own good time. So whatever you do, keep in contact and let us know how you are coping. Enjoy the journey. It doesn't have a destination, it only has the most glorious unimaginable opportunities available to you.

Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa huggs
Catherine