By Natalee D, Teen CHARGE Brand Rep

we are told to speak up

have courage 

be honest 

it won’t hurt you 

but do they not realize 

the fear 

judgement 

or discrimination that could come from our honesty 

and so called “courage” 

we are told that our feelings are valid 

people want to help you 

but when the time does come 

to speak up and speak out 

we are told you’re fine 

it’s just a bad day 

you’re so dramatic 

everyone has those feelings 

others have it way worse 

don’t be so sad and negative 

all the time 

so are our feelings really valid 

once we open up 

we’re too much 

and are told to suck it up

Author statement: In this poem, I wanted to express how teens may feel when talking about their mental health. I have a few short statements on their own line to emphasize the depth of those feelings. I wrote this poem on a plane and I was simply thinking about how mental health is impacting teens today. With COVID, everyone has been impacted and it’s been a crazy year for the entire world. Teens are encouraged to ask for help but after they do, they feel pressure and insecurities from the responses they receive. Like stated at the end of my poem, once teens are honest with themselves and others about how they may feel or think; society and people teens may look up to almost degrade their feelings. I wanted to bring awareness for those who don’t realize how someone with a mental illness may feel. I also wanted to attempt to put into words for people who can’t explain what they really may be feeling after asking for the help everyone is encouraged to ask for.

Editor Note:

Here at Teen CHARGE, our goal is to raise awareness of common issues faced by teens. If you struggle with depression or other mental health concerns, it’s important to know that help is out there. Below are some resources for teens in the Kent County and surrounding areas:

@Network180 | www.network180.org | 616.336.3909

@211 | www.211.org|211

@Wedgwood Christian Services | www.wedgwood.org | 616.942.7294

About the Author: Hi everyone, I’m Natalee and I decided to join Teen CHARGE for the summer as a way to bring awareness to teens or really anyone who feels trapped in their own head. Poetry has become a big part of my life this year. I’ve grown to enjoy it, whether I’m reading or writing it. I think it’s an amazing way to express yourself in a simpler way and to reach anyone and everyone. I use poetry as an escape from reality and to get my intrusive thoughts out of my system. During this past year, my sophomore year, my English teacher helped me grow in my love for poetry and writing all together. As I go into my junior year and start thinking about what I’ll be doing after high school, I hope I am able to reach people in need. I’m excited to be writing and helping with Teen CHARGE.