Are you stressed, confused, worried, suffocated, or exhausted?
Join the club! (I wish it didn’t have to be under such unfortunate circumstances.) Especially with the pressures of school, peers, parents, teachers—and most of all…yourself!!—it gets tiring trying to keep up with the mounting expectations.
Hi! I’m Rahifa Maricar, a junior at Walnut Hills High School and a member of 1N5’s Youth Suicide Prevention Council.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: it sucks.
It sucks that we’re put in these positions by design.
It sucks that our systems pit us against each other, teaching us that our peers are our competition, and that the height of our accomplishments defines the depth of our worth. It’s hard to unplug from this exhausting race—whether that’s academically, athletically, socially, or financially. And in a time when mental health is commercialized and wellness is aestheticized, it becomes even harder to actually look after yourself. If you’re a high school student juggling academics and extracurriculars, finding time for self-care can feel nearly impossible.
_________________________________________________________________________
What comes to mind when you think of “self-care”?
A lavender-scented bubble bath? Maybe an aloe vera face mask topped with ceramide serum? I’ve fallen victim to these trends too—ones that make self-care seem like a luxury buy. But my journey in wellness has taught me this: Self-care isn’t something you buy off the shelf at Target. Wellness is a lifelong practice.
One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is that the people around us can be our greatest tools for healing.
I’ve always been someone who keeps her emotions to herself. But as I experience high school in all its capacities—both agonizing and beautiful—I find myself leaning more on those around me.
Especially during the times when the weight we’re expected to carry feels unbearably heavy, the shared solace of silence is all the comfort we need. It doesn’t have to be a conversation. Sometimes, the connection is enough.
Knowing that our pain is seen—even if it doesn’t magically erase our problems—can be what helps us keep going. To keep growing. To keep choosing to push forward.
If you’re struggling, I hope you give yourself grace.
If you’re thriving, I hope you check in on your friends.
And wherever you are in your journey, remember: taking care of your mental health isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.
We’re in this together—and that’s what makes all the difference.