Dear Annie: Please print this for "Unloved and Misplaced," the 13-year-old girl who is cutting herself:

Please do not give up. Know that you have great value, and that your worth goes beyond any form of measurement. Discover yourself by realizing your own place of belonging. Know that you have the power to change anything within you, and understand that you are important. Learn to create goals and write them down so they will lead you to your life design.

Do not cause harm to your body because it will not ease your pain, it will only discourage you. Become a person who is in control. Love yourself so your love will reach out to others. Honor your parents with understanding. They may be going through difficult times you do not know about. They love you, otherwise, they would not work hard to put food on the table, a roof over your head and clothes on your back. Be giving in your attitude and much will come back to you.

— Someone Who Cares in Boston

Dear Boston: Thank you for your heartfelt words of encouragement and support. We hope she is listening.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611.

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