I don’t know if my mental health is bad. I’ve heard that teenage years are the best time of your life and UH. No. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to talk about certain topics on here, but identity is very uh distressing to me. I don’t feel like myself and I will not be allowed to ever feel like myself, not until I’m an adult. I sure do hope this is a phase. It sucks because I am constantly reminded of it. Um. I hate it, I just sit there every day for hours fantasising about the life I could have had but oh nooooooo. I don’t like this. I also cannot tell anyone about this because bad things will happen. On top of that I think I am a bit stressed from school. I wish I would be better at everything. I hate how mental health is a bit of a joke or something. I dont know. Why is this all so normalised, why is it “normal” for students to try and kill themselves so much? why do so many people self harm? im so sorry
@inclusivedove3946 , it sounds like you’re carrying a lot right now.
I want to gently check in on a couple of things you mentioned, because they stood out to me. When you say identity is distressing to you and that you don’t feel like yourself, would you feel comfortable sharing a bit more about what you mean by that? I want to understand what you’re going through rather than assume.
And when you say you can’t tell anyone because bad things will happen, what do these bad things refer to? That sounds like a really isolating position to be in, feeling like you have to keep something this heavy completely to yourself.
On the mental health being “a joke” thing, I hear you, and I’m curious what’s made you feel that way. Is it people around you dismissing it, or something broader?
And your last question on why it is so normalised for students to struggle this badly, those aren’t small questions and they’re worth taking seriously. You’re right that it shouldn’t be normal, even if it’s common. The fact that it’s widespread doesn’t mean it’s okay or that people should just push through it alone. It points to something being genuinely hard about the pressures young people are under right now.
One thing I do want to ask directly, and please don’t feel like you have to soften your answer, are you yourself having any thoughts of hurting yourself or not wanting to be here? It’s okay to tell me either way.
If you feel like you would like to speak to a professional about this, please do not hesitate to reach out to National Mindline 1771 at 1771 or via WhatsApp at 6669 1771, alright?
Hey @inclusivedove3946. Reading your post, I couldn’t help but think how much pressure there is to believe that our teenage years are supposed to be exciting or carefree. When your reality feels so different, hearing those messages can make you feel even more alone and misunderstood.
You’re trying to make sense of your identity, feeling like you can’t safely be yourself, navigating the pressures of school, and questioning why mental health struggles have become so common among students. Honestly, it’s a lot from anyone to carry.
I want to acknowledge the courage it took to write this post. You shared that you don’t feel safe opening up to the people around you, yet you still chose to reach out here. That tells me there’s a part of you that is still hoping to be heard and understood, and I’m glad you gave yourself the chance to share.
Although your current circumstances may feel limiting, they don’t define the rest of your story. When we’re in the middle of uncomfortable experiences, it’s easy to feel as though things will always be this way. While that doesn’t take away the discomfort or hurt you’re feeling now, I hope you can hold onto the possibility that your future may offer more space to discover who you are and what brings you joy and peace.
May you find little moment of comfort, hope and peace, even on the days that feel especially heavy ya 