It’s not uncommon for children and teens to struggle with their mental health without being able to voice their feelings directly. This is especially true for kids who may lack the vocabulary to express distress or who have grown up in challenging environments, both emotionally and physically. Many may resort to subtle expressions or euphemisms that convey, “I’m having dark thoughts” or “I need someone to intervene.” Recognizing these signals is crucial for providing the necessary support and resources.
In order to shed light on what children communicate when they are in need, we reached out to our community for insights on phrases they used growing up that actually meant they were seeking help. Here are their reflections:
1. “I Don’t Feel Good.”
“My anxiety often manifested in physical symptoms. I frequently had headaches and stomach pains, which I learned to live with as a child. In retrospect, I realize these were signs from my mental health crying out for assistance.” — Lily M.
“My social anxiety would spike around planned events. Instead of recognizing my struggles, my dad would joke that I’d end up as a hermit.” — Jamie R.
2. “I’m Bored.”
“When I said ‘I’m bored,’ it really meant, ‘Help me find a distraction from these overwhelming thoughts.’ I had anxiety that went undiagnosed until later in life, but looking back, the signs were clear.” — Taylor P.
3. “I Have a Stomachache.”
“Chronic anxiety often resulted in frequent stomach issues for me. Adults dismissed it as attention-seeking behavior, unaware that I was grappling with panic attacks.” — Mia S.
4. “Can I Sleep Over?”
“I would call friends out of the blue, asking to spend the night, even on school nights. It was my way of escaping the chaotic environment created by my troubled family dynamics.” — Zoe T.
5. “I Don’t Know.”
“My usual response was ‘I don’t know’ to avoid feeling judged. Even when I sought help, my concerns were often dismissed.” — Sam A.
6. “I’m Scared.”
“I often expressed fear, but no one understood. I felt overwhelmed, and when I articulated my fear, it frequently led to tears. My parents and teachers often misinterpreted my feelings.” — Emma L.
7. “Nobody Loves Me.”
“This was my way of expressing feelings of neglect. It took years of therapy to understand my bipolar disorder, and now I realize the importance of self-love.” — Leo K.
8. “I Want to Go Home.”
“In hindsight, this was a child’s way of expressing a longing for safety. The notion of ‘home’ didn’t feel secure, and I often repeated this to myself.” — Ava Q.
9. “I’m Tired.”
“This was my subtle way of saying, ‘I’m exhausted from feeling this way.’” — Rachel H.
10. “I Feel Like I’m in a Dream.”
“This phrase took years for me to connect with my experience of depersonalization disorder, anxiety, and depression.” — Jessie N.
11. “I Can’t Think Right Now.”
“School and homework would trigger anxiety so intensely that it left me mentally paralyzed.” — Olivia J.
12. “I’m Sorry.”
“I would apologize excessively and felt deeply hurt by the smallest mistakes, which has lingered into adulthood.” — Sophia W.
13. “I Don’t Want to Go to School.”
“I had my first panic attack at eight, but I didn’t understand what was happening to me at the time.” — Max D.
14. “I Can’t Do It.”
“I often found myself overwhelmed, crying as I tried to express my struggles. Sudden emotional shifts would occur when discussing certain triggers.” — Ella F.
15. “My Heart Hurts.”
“At seven, I told my parents this, unaware it was anxiety manifesting as a panic attack.” — Noah Y.
Recognizing these phrases can be crucial in identifying children who may be struggling and guiding them toward the help they need. If you’re interested in exploring more about mental health or parenting strategies, you can check out this insightful piece on home insemination. Additionally, for those interested in fertility resources, Make a Mom offers valuable insights. For pregnancy-related information, IVF Babble can be an excellent resource.
Summary:
This article highlights various phrases children often use as implicit cries for help regarding their mental health. Understanding these phrases can aid caregivers in recognizing signs of distress and providing necessary support.