A Letter From Someone Who Gets It
Hey,
Let me guess.
You’re feeling something — maybe too many things at once — and you don’t know what to do with it. You’re not sure who to talk to, or how to talk about it without sounding dramatic, weird, or like a total mess. So instead, you keep it inside.
I’ve been there.
Actually, I’m still there sometimes. But I’ve learned something: talking about what you’re feeling doesn’t make you weak or attention-seeking. It makes you real. And if you’re reading this, you’re already brave enough to take the next step.
Let’s talk about how to talk.
Step 1: Don’t Try to Be “Okay” All the Time
No one is okay all the time. Not you, not me, not the people you follow online. If you’re pretending just to make other people comfortable, you’re the one getting hurt.
So start by being honest with yourself. Ask:
- What’s really going on with me?
- Am I angry? Hurt? Scared? Lonely?
- Is it one thing or a hundred little things?
You don’t need a full explanation. You just need a starting point.
Step 2: Pick
Your
Person
This part matters. Don’t just open up to someone because you feel like you “should.” Choose someone who actually listens, even if it’s not who you expected. It might be:
- A friend who never judges
- A teacher who notices things
- A sibling you barely talk to—but maybe want to
- Or someone completely outside your life, like a Teen Helpline counselor
If you don’t feel safe talking to someone close to you, that’s okay. We’re here for that.
Step 3: Say It Your Way
You don’t need to sit down for a serious “we need to talk” moment. You could:
- Send a voice note or text
- Write it down first
- Say, “I don’t know how to explain this, but I need to try”
- Use a meme or playlist to break the ice (yes, really)
The way you open up is totally up to you. Just start somewhere.
Step 4: Expect Some Awkwardness
It might feel weird at first. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
You might cry. You might laugh. You might get interrupted by a cat jumping on your keyboard. Life isn’t a movie scene—it’s messy and human. Let it be.
And if someone doesn’t understand? That doesn’t mean no one will. Keep trying. The right people exist. Promise.
If No One’s Listening, We Are
If you’re not ready to talk to someone you know—or you’ve tried and it didn’t go well—please remember this:
You can reach out to Teen Helpline. No pressure. No judgment. Just someone real on the other side who gets it.
Anonymous. Free. Safe. Always.