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 […]
Eric
on
Last January I flew to Dallas to attend a 10-day silent meditation retreat called a Vipassana. The retreat rules were no phone, no talking, no reading, and no writing for 10 days. To ensure best practice everyone checked in items that could be used to break the rules upon arrival. Between 4:30am and 9pm, 10 […]
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 […]
Grace
on
The stigma surrounding counseling and seeing someone to talk about your struggles because “you’re unstable” or “crazy” is extremely prevalent in our society. However, talking to someone who is trained in helping people work through the struggles that come with life is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, counseling has helped me in some […]
Lexa
on
It’s a myth that asking someone if they are suicidal will suddenly implant the idea. As a highly stigmatized topic, it’s not surprising that there is misinformation about discussing it with those who may be at risk. Without any specific training on how to talk about suicide, it’s easy to feel ill-equipped to bring it […]
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 […]
Julia W.
on
I just need to get out of here. They’re too many people, too much stimuli. But leaving would be awkward, and I can’t make my feet move. I feel my heart racing and my breathing get faster, shallower. I look around for a familiar face, someone to feel safe with, but I can’t find anyone. […]
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 […]