How cool would it be if every time we were feeling confused or frustrated or heartbroken or so angry that we couldn't see straight, we could just flip a switch and sound the alarm? The brigade would come running, armed with whatever we needed- tissues, Chunky Monkey ice cream, an older sibling to set things straight. Unfortunately, there is no such switch. In fact, many of us aren't very good at letting others know what's really going on with us, or knowing how good it would be for us if we could.
When I used to get upset, I'd withdraw into my own little world, letting my only dog in for comfort, probably because he was the only one I knew who wouldn't talk back and would love me no matter what I was feeling. And even though once the secret was out, my friends and family always came through, putting my thoughts and fears out there was a scary thing. The author of this poem is grappling with the same issue, and has found an outlet for her hidden emotions through her pen and the power of words.
Silent Scream
Outside, you see me smiling
And floating through each day,
A little tired, a little thin,
But overall, okay.

But you don't hear my anguished thoughts
Which surface every night.
They plague me, haunt me, torment me
Til I'm too weak to fight

And so, next day, I come to school
With deeply shadowed eyes.
I smile, laugh, and speak on cue,
Living a pack of lies.

A silent scream echoes inside,
Reaction to my lie-
Til with no warning, it erupts
And I crumble down and cry.

Come find me, help me, make it stop-
No! Keep out, go away!
For if you come, I've no control
Over the words I say

Can't you hear my silent scream,
Decipher what I hide?
So come and ask me what is wrong,
Come sit down by my side.

If nothing else, then please read through
This tangled web I weave.
For you are really not the one
I'm trying to deceive.

Help me- I don't know what I want
I've lost my guiding light.
Please hold me, let me cry and say
Somehow, you'll make it right.

Perhaps, deep down, I know what's wrong,
What keeps me up awake.
What is the source of all my tears
And ever-there heartache.

But not yet can I face it,
Or maybe I just won't.
Please, someone, help me understand-
God only knows I don't
-Ashley Yang, Age 16

Feeling confused or depressed? Emotions like this can spiral out of control if we don't find a way to face them. Here are some thoughts to take to heart.
1. Take care of yourself! Do the things that make you feel good, like excerising or hanging out with friends.
2. Talk to someone you trust and let them know how you feel. It might be hard to do, but depression needs to be taken very seriously.
3. Be patient and don't expect quick fixes. Depression can sometimes take a while to get over.