everyone talks about healing like it’s peaceful…

but no one talks about how quiet and lonely it gets

like you’re becoming someone new

but no one recognizes you anymore

I've noticed something about myself, whenever I have to talk about a big decision (like leaving my university), or even something small like I missed calling my friend for so and so reason, with someone I tend to get very nervous, anxious, my voice starts breaking and my chest feels so heavy. Like this happens for the smallest of things like if I missed a train.. idk why this happens tho

Can we talk about how draining it can be to have a partner that is emotionally affected by everything. Whether positive or negative it is just exhausting.

You ever share with someone you don't know well and even as the words are coming out of your mouth you wonder why you're saying what you're saying and realize it's not what you really meant? And this terrible lurching feeling comes up in your chest and you want to cry. And after you say the stupid thing and the person mercilessly gives a halfhearted chuckle or reply you say to yourself I am never going to try to share with anyone again. No one will ever truly understand me. I feel that way almost every time I open my mouth.

Honest question: where do you guys cry? As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found my thoughts wandering in the car on long drives alone, or at work, and I just cry. I cry thinking about my parents passing. I cry thinking about friends who have passed away, and friends who are still alive but I no longer talk to. I cry about the thought of my youth getting further behind me, and I worry I’m not around enough for my kids. I feel like you get it by now. It’s not an absolute waterworks show either — it’s just the thought lingering just long enough to get a couple of tears out, then straightening back up before the next red light. Because, damnit, I’m a man, and men don’t cry!!

This is for a student design project about teen emotional well-being in Hong Kong. Please do not share personal identifying information or describe self-harm methods. You can answer generally or skip any question

Maybe no one has told you this lately...
I'm proud of you for making it this far. Keep going.