Do you feel alone unheard unloved and hurt?

From what I have learnt so far is that underlying just about every teen’s depression, anxiety or self harm is the feelings of being alone, unheard, unloved or hurt. Same goes for most adults as well.

A lot of teens bottle up these feelings until they start to manifest themselves into unhealthy issues such as alcohol and drug addiction, risky behavior, depression, self harm or suicidal thinking.

The worst thing you can do for these feelings is hide from them, push them down inside or bottle them up and pretend everything is okay to everyone around you.

Things aren’t okay but I get it, you’re the ‘suffer in silence type’ like Bella Swan unhelpfully mentioned to her vampire lover in twilight. Your not a sharer, you don’t feel comfortable talking about how you feel or you don’t know how to talk about how you feel. You’re scared to talk because you don’t want to be seen as an attention seeker or you fear you won’t be believed.

I believe you, rebel youth believes you, in fact this is the sole reason this page was created. We don’t think you are attention seeking unless you are wearing a meat clad lady gaga dress but even then we would still want to hear you out.

It is really important to start learning to express these emotions and find your voice. Here are some ways to begin:

Write shit down

Writing is a good place to start. Keep a journal and start putting your thoughts and feelings into words. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it can be messy and full of spelling mistakes because who cares, it’s yours. It’s your place to express how you feel. You could even dabble in writing poetry if your interested in it.

Songs of angst

Some of the best songs were created out of feelings of aloneness, despair, feeling not loved or unheard. So if you are musical then start putting how you feel into song writing or rap. Music is a powerful form of expression and even better form of release.

Sing little bird

Sing your little hearts out. Signing was one of my chosen outlets. I just started singing when know one was around and now I annoy the crap out of everyone by pulling out karaoke. It was helpful in helping me find my voice. It might be for you as well.

Draw sketch scribble

Drawing is another good way to express how you think or feel. Pick up a pen, pencil or paint brush and start drawing how you feel, it doesn’t have to be a master piece, it doesn’t have to be perfect, art is all about expression, creativity and absurdness so go nuts.

Dance tin soldier

Dance is another good form of expression. For some it can provide a much needed release for their emotions. If it is something you feel drawn to then consider taking some dance classes and explore it.

Hobby as an outlet

Find a hobby as an outlet for your feelings. It could be playing sports, joining a creative writing group, playing a musical instrument, a dance class, a photography class or volunteering somewhere like SPCA.

Hobbies can be a great way to figure out what your passions are and what you enjoy. Finding something you enjoy can be your saving grace at times of loneliness, hurt or pain. If it’s something you really enjoy then it can give you a sense of hope and satisfaction.

Talk to the right people

Consider talking to your school counselor, youth counseling helpline or a youth face to face counselor (check out rebel youth’s resource list under ‘notes’). Talking and expressing how you feel is really important and healing, a counselor can help you understand what created your hurt, aloneness or feelings of being unloved and unheard. They can support you in healing and feeling better.