The Strength In Sharing

Have you ever been really stressed about AOLs? Or super worried about losing your friends? Or that you’ll get in trouble over something small? 

Out of all those times, how many have you talked to others about?

As school kids, it’s already really hard to talk to others about how we feel, especially when we’re stressed out. We find it hard even to talk to our parents and friends about the tough emotions we feel. We think they’ll judge us, or dismiss our worries as strange and unnecessary. Or maybe we think there’s no point, that it won’t help, or talking about it will make us feel worse.

But really, talking about it, reaching out, is the best thing you can do. You’ll find that you aren’t the only one feeling the things you are.

For example, have you heard about the recent women’s cricket World Cup, which India won for the first time? 

Jemimah Rodrigues is a member of the team, scoring an unbeaten 127 runs in the semifinals against Australia. Previously in 2022, she had been dropped from the World Cup team. From that point was, in her own words, the toughest time in her career. Her playing went downhill, and she faced many trying challenges that, as she said, “brought her to tears nearly every day.”  During her recent interview after the semifinal, she talked about how she faced anxiety and self doubt, throughout that hard time.

Remember what I said about how hard it is, as students, to talk about our feelings? That feeling, magnified by a mic, spotlight, and the whole world watching you can be… well, terrifying. Yet, Jemimah spoke. She spoke the truth, not just to free herself, but, as she said, “for all the people watching who feel the same way, which is why I’m saying it, really.”  She talked about her anxiety and how she handled it, all the ups and downs she faced. She was open about her vulnerability, with a courage that made us feel better about ours. 

People admire her for the 127 runs she scored. But I admire her for those few truths she told, harder than a thousand runs. 

Did you know Simone Biles, the most acclaimed gymnast in the world, was public about the anxiety and mental stress she faced, and even took a two year break after 2001. Adele, world famous singer, spoke about her panic attacks and stage fright, especially after her divorce. These big celebrities, the talents on television, the names in the newspapers, the people on the posters, are actually only human beings, like me and you. And that comes with feelings, like worry, doubt, and anxiety. But it also comes with love, courage, and friendship. You aren’t alone in your emotions. Always remember, you have everyone behind you. Because we all live in the same world.

Whenever it tests you, the answer is never to be silent and bear it alone. Reach out, talk to the people who have your back. Your friends, family, even teachers and counsellors.

You’ll never be alone in your emotions, because we are all in it with you, and we’re all in it together.