Where to
Turn When You Feel Like There’s Nowhere to Turn
OK – so I’m going to get real with
you now. Sometimes life just plain sucks. Your friends are jerks, your parents
are on your case, your siblings are brats – you feel ALONE. It happens. And
when it happens, it can be the worst feeling in the whole world. You feel like you're completely
alone, like no one else could possibly understand. But here’s something I want
YOU to understand: I get it, because I’ve been there. In fact, we’ve all been
there.
Sometimes it’s easy to talk ourselves
into the foolish belief that some people in our lives don’t have any problems
at all – their lives are perfect. Let me tell you something: the fact that we’re
all human means we’re all growing all the time – and sometimes growth is just
plain painful. It can be uncomfortable to think about growing up, going to
college, getting a job, moving out of the house you grew up in. Even though
they’re brats and you’d never admit it to their faces, you’re really going to
miss your brothers and sisters when you're out on your own.
Then there’s dating. Maybe the girl
or guy you like doesn’t know you’re alive. Or maybe you thought it was true
love and then he/she dumped you. Maybe you’re gay and not sure how your friends
– or parents – would respond if they knew. Maybe you want desperately to go to
a dance, but you’re shy and don’t know how to dance and you’re afraid people
will laugh at you. Maybe you’re pregnant and you don’t know what to do.
Whatever you’re going through –
someone else has already gone through it. That might not seem like helpful
information right now. In fact, you may think I’m trying to diminish your
problems. Exactly the opposite, my friend! I’m just trying to say that you’re
not alone. You’re not weird. You’re not crazy. And you don’t have to go through
it by yourself.
Where can you turn when it seems
like there’s no one to talk with? Here are a few ideas … now don’t judge them
without at least considering them.
- Your parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle – even if they don’t live near you
- The parent or older sibling of a friend
- An older relative or neighbor
- A teacher – maybe one you don’t have for a class right now
- A guidance counselor
- A peer advisor or counselor
- A trustworthy student – not necessarily a friend
- A coach
- A scout leader
- An adult advisor for an extracurricular activity
- Your priest, rabbi, or minister
- Your youth minister
- Another person from your church – or a church you don’t go to
- Youth America Hotline: 1-877-968-8454 (peer-to-peer hotline that links callers to community-based peer counseling hotlines across the country)
- National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (support for runaways and those considering running away)
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (support for suicidal LGBT teens)
- New Avenues for Youth: 1-800-995-7936 (support for homeless and at-risk teens)
- American Pregnancy Helpline: 1-866-942-6466 (support and resources for unplanned pregnancies)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (support for rape, incest, date rape)
And if none of those options works,
email me at Albert@AlbertMensahStudentSpeaker.com.
The main thing I want you to take away from this message is that whatever you’re
going through – no matter how bad, weird, ugly, disappointing, depressing, or
other – you don’t have to do it by yourself. Please reach out for help – it’s
there for you if you will only look for it.
_______________________
ALBERT MENSAH is a champion of opportunity and achieving
one’s dreams. Rising from humble beginnings in Ghana, Africa, Albert has become
one of the world’s leading student motivational speakers, regularly presenting
to groups such as FCCLA, FFA, FBLA, DECA, 4-H, and numerous school assemblies
and student council groups. Visit his website to book him to speak at your
student assembly, career day, or state or national teachers’ conference.
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