YOU DON’T NEED TO STRUGGLE WITH ISSUES ALONE
Youth need to know there are people who can help, writes Kira Giesen.
A few weeks ago, one of my teachers at school reminded us we all have a voice in this world and we should use our voice for good instead of just saying things that will bring other people down.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about bullying. Bullying has been in the news a lot, especially since the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. In this show, the main character felt pretty bad about herself. She was bullied, no doubt about that. But she blamed all her problems on everyone else around her. I think that when we have problems, it’s not fair to blame everyone else. Sometimes, the problems are within us. It’s not just other people who are the problem.
Teens go through internal issues such as depression and anxiety. This causes eating disorders and self-harm. We have to admit the problems we have to ourselves, and not just blame the bullies. I really wish we could hear more about depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm, instead of just bullying.
So, what should you do if you are depressed or anxious? If you are making bad decisions about your eating habits or are purposefully hurting yourself? I struggled with two out of four of these things for over a year, and at times I felt pretty low. Here are some things that helped me that might help you.
Know you’re not alone. Sometimes, it feels like you’re the only one going through your situation. That’s not true — you are never alone. Did you know 25 per cent of all teens suffer from anxiety disorders? And 20 per cent of teens experience depression before they reach adulthood. You’re not alone. You could probably find a handful of people in your own school going through the same thing. Talking to people your own age always helps.
Find an outlet for your feelings. Some people express themselves with art. Others find it easier to write down their feelings. There are so many other things you can do to get your mind off your situation. Maybe you could take up a new activity. My mom always says your problems seem bigger when you’re stuck between your four walls, but once you get out into the world, things don’t seem as bad.
Talk to your parents. I know, it sounds lame. You don’t want to tell your parents anything because you feel like they don’t understand. And maybe they won’t, but they can still get you professional help. If they know what you’re going through, your parents will never not try to get you some help.
Very few people like going to see a therapist. I know I didn’t. But if I hadn’t, I still would be struggling. It doesn’t even have to be your parents that you tell. It could be your teacher, your sports coach, anyone you trust who can get you some help.
In 13 Reasons Why, the main character did none of these things. She blamed everyone but herself and took no steps to help herself. If you are going through something like what I’ve described above, tell someone and get help before you feel like there is no other option.
I’m not an expert. But I am a teenager who went through some tough times and I feel much better now. You can, too.
I really wish we could hear more about depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm, instead of just bullying.