The stigma surrounding counseling and seeing someone to talk about your struggles because “you’re unstable” or “crazy” is extremely prevalent in our society. However, talking to someone who is trained in helping people work through the struggles that come with life is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, counseling has helped me in some […]
It’s a myth that asking someone if they are suicidal will suddenly implant the idea. As a highly stigmatized topic, it’s not surprising that there is misinformation about discussing it with those who may be at risk. Without any specific training on how to talk about suicide, it’s easy to feel ill-equipped to bring it […]
My siblings and I grew up in an emotionally abusive environment and continue to deal with the effects of that trauma. Part of my sister’s journey to health included an inpatient hospitalization last fall. Below is an interview during which she shares her story. Can you describe how you were feeling in the months leading […]
Name: David Age: 15 Living in: New Jersey If I could instantly become an expert in something, it would be… psychology. Name: Irina Age: 18 Living in: Ohio If I could instantly become an expert in something, it would be… knowing people’s opinions and problems and how to solve them. Name: Grace Age: 24 Living in: Ohio If I could instantly become an […]
It’s that time of year again, folks! We’re looking for bloggers to join the 2019 Fall/Winter You Matter Blogger Council. The deadline has been extended! The deadline to apply is now Friday, August 30th, 2019. You Matter has always been a space for youth, by youth, to share stories and make your voices heard. If you’re […]
I just need to get out of here. They’re too many people, too much stimuli. But leaving would be awkward, and I can’t make my feet move. I feel my heart racing and my breathing get faster, shallower. I look around for a familiar face, someone to feel safe with, but I can’t find anyone. […]
I can’t seem to care about my feelings. To me, all feelings are overwhelming because I either don’t know how to take care of them or I just don’t have the energy to. I feel ashamed of this helplessness and it’s been a big stumbling block in my relationships. However, all I’ve been able to […]
“Sometimes when you’re depressed, the things you don’t want to do are the very things you need to do in order to feel better,” my therapist told me. Great, I thought, for just once could there be an easy answer? “As you start doing things, it gets easier,” she continued, “and you begin to have […]
The first time I brought up suicide to anyone, I felt scared. I was confused and concerned about what they would think. I had never even thought about reaching out to someone to tell them what I was thinking until that point, and instead I questioned everything that went through my mind. “Does it even […]
The news spread like wildfire: there was a dead body on campus. For hours, students were scrambling for information. Who, how, when, why? Rumors were flying with misinformation and stories. The school was quick to email everyone with a vague description and a promise that as information came and was appropriate for the public, we […]
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