"The other side"

Everyone is dealing with something. Everyone has issues and everyone struggles.

Everyone, except me. 

I hear stories about the students at my school; someone’s dad died. Someone else’s parents had split up. Another is depressed, another is anorexic. 

Whilst all this is happening, I feel so guilty. I know it’s not my fault, but my life is so easy compared to other people’s. I just don’t think it’s fair. How can I talk to someone normally when I know she forces herself to throw up the food she eats every day?

That’s why I’ve decided to do everything I can to help people who are struggling.

At school, if anyone ever needs someone to talk to, they know that I am here. In fact, over summer I messaged my friend who is battling anorexia just to offer her some support and someone to talk to. It might not seem like a big gesture, but small acts of kindness like this can make someone feel worthy and encouraged to keep going. 

I also know how intense some people find school and how they can find it difficult to cope with both their mental health as well as their grades. This is why, last year, I was a maths buddy to someone in the year below who was struggling, just to help them get back on track. I have also had a few revision sessions with my friends who work better in a more relaxed and one-to-one environment, because I understand how stressful they find the school atmosphere.

It’s also really important to just be there for others. My friends know I’m here for them if and when they want to talk about anything, and I always make sure to listen intently and try my best to help them in whatever way I can, even if that just means giving them a hug.

Here’s a few tips on how to help those who are struggling;

• Respect people’s privacy. You should never try to force information from someone, because they might not want to share their problems and overall, it’s their choice. 

 

• If someone does open up to you, then you should listen to them with considerate kindness. Try to understand how difficult it must be for them and don’t push them to carry on. They will know their own boundaries.

 

• It’s always incredibly important that you spread positivity because you don’t know what battles your peers are fighting. This also means you should stand up for people who cannot help themselves.

 

• Try to put yourself into their shoes. This can be difficult; however, it may help you to understand more about what they are dealing with and how they are feeling. 

I’ve joined TWE to try and help others, like our readers. I just hope that these articles do help you in some way because the whole team is here for you. We want to support you in any way we can.

 So really, I just want to write a quick note to you. Yes, you, the amazing, brilliant, kind, talented and worthy person reading this right now. You can do this and you will do this. You are loved and you are treasured by those around you and we all want you to thrive. 
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Overall, if you are on the ‘other side’, I advise you to do as many small things as possible to make the lives of those struggling just a tiny bit easier. You could do this by simply asking how they are doing, and if they need any help. 
I hope this helped :) Have a fantastic day!​

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​Chloë