How can thoughts hurt so much when they aren't even physical?

The voice of every kid hooked on drugs, alcohol or the occult joins the sad chorus "Not me! I didn't think it could ever happen to me. I was sure I could handle it.

How can thoughts hurt so much when they aren't even physical?

They have accepted me as an individual, as a personality, as an entity. I belong! I am important! I am somebody!

This morning when I left Mom's parting words were, "Come straight home after school." Wow! Like I'm going to get stoned at 3:30—it doesn't sound so bad at that.

They don’t think “I care,” “I hurt,” or “I have feelings.” It just seems like I’m always “wrong,” always “selfish,” always “self-centered” and everything else that’s negative and destructive.

How is it possible for me to be so miserable and embarrassed and humiliated and beaten an function still talk and smile and concentrate?