How to Cope When Feeling Like Hurting Yourself: A 17-Year-Old's Guide

Please please DO NOT hurt yourself or others. Many people feel isolated, especially now after the past two years of the pandemic and everything that entailed.

Putting our trust in others can be very scary and hard for some people to do. I certainly hope you have at least one person to confide in who may prove to be more trustworthy than you think, and it might not be who you would initially think it to be. Perhaps you need medication. If you have medical insurance, chances are mental health is covered, and that includes just needing someone to talk to about how you are feeling and what you are dealing with. If you still can't get yourself to do one of those options, there are many anonymous call lines you can reach out to. No names, no identifiers, just someone on the other end willing to listen and provide helpful information.

Express Your Feelings

Writing down your feelings can be an incredibly therapeutic process. You can do so manually in a journal or digitally in a place that will allow you to by creating a Gmail or Outlook account and using their document page to use for writing. That way, you won't have to worry about anyone accidentally stumbling upon your journal. From there, if you have health insurance and have mental health covered, you can look into finding a therapist that will best align with you but make sure you are journaling beforehand as an emotional outlet. In case your search for the right therapist takes some time.

Seek Professional Help

There are numerous ways of being able to clear your mind of harmful negativity and start seeing good and hopefulness in this world, even if it's just in the little things around you at first. Think of others whose lives would be affected if you were not around. We impact people every day, even if it's just a smile or a hello to someone who is having a really bad day. You have impacted mine as I will be holding you in my thoughts now, wondering if you are ok and can find the right help you need.

Reach Out Even When Feels Hard

Please keep reaching out, even if it's only on a site like this, until you find what you are looking for. Prayers and good wishes have been sent for you.

Key Strategies for Coping

1. Journaling: Writing down your feelings can help you process and release emotions that may be too overwhelming to express verbally. Look for a secure place to store your journal, such as a locked drawer or a protected digital account.

2. Anonymous Hotlines: There are many anonymous call lines available where you can talk to a trained professional who will listen and offer guidance. You can find these by searching online or through local mental health resources.

3. Online Support: Numerous online platforms offer a space for individuals to share their experiences and find support from others who may be in similar situations. Engaging in these communities can provide a sense of community and validation.

4. Trusted Individuals: It's important to find one or more trusted individuals who can provide support. This might be a friend, family member, or a professional. Even if you aren't sure who they are right now, keep the effort to find them going.

5. Medication and Therapy: If your feelings are severe, discussing medication with a healthcare provider could be necessary. Equally important is finding a therapist who can provide ongoing support and address any underlying issues.

Remember, you are not alone. Reach out, and help is available. Your well-being matters, and taking steps to address your feelings is a crucial first step toward healing.