It can be hard to know how to support your friends when they’re struggling. Even if you can relate to what they’re going through with a similar experience, it can still be a challenge to support them. If a friend is going through something relatably difficult, think about what you would’ve needed to hear at […]
My phone feels oddly heavy in my hand as I scroll through dozens of notifications. This isn’t any ordinary afternoon – this is the first afternoon in 30 days that I have had access to my normal phone and social media. For the past month, I embarked on a phone cleanse. So what exactly do […]
Immigration is one of the most paramount and notable issues in America today. As a child of immigration, I’m all too familiar with how overlooked individual immigrants, their children, and their families really are, even when granted asylum like my father, my brother, and myself. My story starts as a six-year-old fleeing Haiti, forced to […]
Recently, I made a big transition in my life. I entered my freshman year of high school this past fall, and as winter approaches, I’ve started to settle into a rhythm. But high school is challenging, especially for this generation. A disruption to your routine can be difficult – I’ve certainly found it to be! […]
CW: Alcoholism/Abuse A year ago, my life felt harder than it ever had before. Having a therapist at the time to talk it over with made it easier for me to recognize what I needed. I was taking on too many responsibilities while running on empty. I was always “mature for my age”, but I […]
Unfortunately, “no school November” has come to an end, and with that marks the transition into the holiday season. While my state hasn’t had any snow just yet, I can smell that freezing flurry looming in the air. I am looking forward to building snowmen with my little sister, experiencing my brother feeling the magic […]
It’s that time of year again, folks! We’re looking for bloggers to join the 2022 Fall/Winter You Matter Blogger Council. The deadline to apply is November 1st, 2022. You Matter has always been a space for youth, by youth, to share stories and make your voices heard. If you’re between 13-25 and are passionate about […]
I’ve always been told that finding the right therapist can feel like online dating. Recently, I found this to be true. For the past three months, I’ve been using Talkspace to find a therapist to help guide and support me through life’s hardships, whether they be from the past or the present. I’ll be honest, […]
Every other Thursday, five o’clock, I have plans. “I can’t hang out, my mom needs me to babysit tonight.” “I already promised I’d help around the house.” “Sorry, I’m grounded.” “I can’t tonight, I’ve got loads of homework.” Every other Thursday, I used to lie. It’s not that I was doing anything of concern, but […]
Picture this: a friend of yours confronts you with a problem they are going through, maybe a break up or family drama, distraught and upset. They are coming to you in a hard-to-approach state, and you don’t know what to do. We’ve all been there, myself included. It seems like a daunting situation, one that […]