It all started when I was 12, maybe even 11. I was young, and I didn’t know what was going on. I started feeling sad quite a lot, and I’d rarely go a day without crying over something stupid. Fast forward a few months and I’d discovered self-harm. Pretty soon, that became the only thing that was good in my life, until I met my best friend. Unfortunately, that friend stopped speaking to me a few months ago. He helped me and I was happy with him.
He left because I’m too much of a mess. I feel like a darkness is taking over me – it’s affecting my sleep, my concentration and my moods to the point where I’m constantly exhausted and done with everything. I want to go to sleep and I don’t want to wake up. I’m still in school, and I’m seeing a counselor, but she is no help. Because I’m young, they won’t consider me having mental health issues – my mum and the counselor say it’s just a phase and I need to get out more. I’m exhausted and I’m tired of trying to get help when no one will listen to me.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Though it was difficult, know that asking for help is the first step to solving the problem at hand. You are incredibly brave for reaching out.
- You are not a mess; you are just hurt. You may have felt that way because your friend was not being supportive, and his actions may have made you feel alone. You are NEVER alone, and the people who love you will always surround you.
- That is great to hear that you are receiving help, but it is frustrating feeling like it is a waste of time. Talk with your counselor and try to be as honest with them as possible, explaining that you are not feeling like anything is helping. Perhaps together you can decide how to better heal your situation and how to accomplish more in therapy – deciding what works and what does not.
- Our moods can affect everything, from our concentration to our physical health. Pay attention to how you are treating yourself physically – your sleep schedule, food choices and electronic usage. All can have negative effects on our mental health if we are not getting the proper amount.
HELP YOURSELF:
- What are some positive things you can say immediately to yourself when a negative thought pops into your head?
- How can you make sure that you are you getting proper rest, staying away from electronics at nighttime and drinking/eating enough?
- How can your bedtime/wake-up ritual have a positive or negative impact on your day?
- What are some of the things you used to enjoy doing but don’t do anymore?
