Is it acceptable to cry at school?
I’m 14 and non-binary, and I’ve found myself crying during my first period class four times this week—on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and again today. It all started when a flyer about mental health resources triggered an emotional response, causing me to break down. Additionally, I’ve been struggling with the noise levels in the classroom. My teacher has taken me aside to discuss it, hoping to find a solution, but unfortunately, it hasn’t made a difference. Yesterday, I was caught frantically writing in class, and I felt so embarrassed. I brought my headphones today, which helped a bit, but I still felt awful. This week has also seen an increase in self-harming behaviors, which has significantly impacted my mood.
What should I do?
First of all, I’m really sorry to hear that you’ve been struggling. It’s completely okay to cry in school; everyone has their moments, and it can be a healthy way to express what you’re feeling. It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and it’s important to acknowledge that.
It’s great that your teacher is trying to help with the noise issue, but if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a school counselor or a trusted adult. They can provide additional support and help you explore strategies that might work better for you.
In the meantime, try to find small coping mechanisms that can help you through the day—like grounding techniques, taking deep breaths, or even just stepping outside for a moment if you can. It might also help to talk to someone about how you’ve been feeling, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a mental health professional.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and there are people who want to help you. Taking some steps to care for your mental health is really important, and you deserve support.