Alyssa
on
In the spring of seventh grade, I impatiently waited for my bat mitzvah. Twice a week, my Grandpa Jerry would pick me up from school, blasting Neil Diamond CDs in the car, and drive me to my Hebrew lessons. We were both excited for the special day to come. But just eighteen days before my […]
Sierra
on
Sexual assault is a shocking trauma that, according to RAINN.org, happens every 73 seconds in America. Many times after a traumatic event such as sexual assault, the brain reacts to the confusion of the situation and evokes a defense mechanism which represses your memory of the trauma. This defense mechanism has the tendency to portray […]
Mackenzie H.
on
I don’t know you. But I do know you are tired. I know how horrible some thoughts can be. I know your pain. I know how it feels to hate going to sleep because you don’t want to wake up to see tomorrow. I know how it feels to live in a nightmare. I know […]
Julia W.
on
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 […]
Vibrant Communications
on
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 […]
Vibrant Communications
on
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 […]
Eric
on
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 […]
Irina
on
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 […]
Lexa
on
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 […]
Eric
on
Over the past couple of years I have read countless self-help books on the effects of a dysfunctional upbringing. For better, or for worse, these books have opened me up to types of pain that I have avoided, and given me permission to feel them. While this awakening has been very exciting, it’s also been […]