Dear... The Person Who Wrote “Stranger”
I read your letter and I want to know that I see you. I see how much you are struggling and I’m so sorry. It’s not fair. You shouldn’t have to deal with all that. It’s not your fault. You are young and you should feel supported and loved, not on the brink of poverty or depressed every time you return from school.
If I could I would hug you and tell you that you don’t deserve to feel this way. I would ask you to tell me if there is anything in your life that gives you some joy and makes you feel something. If there is, cling onto it. Savour it. Try and immerse yourself in it, even for just a few seconds every day. However small, however insignificant, however seemingly trivial. Is it your favourite bowl to eat cereal from? Is it seeing a dog in the park and stroking its back? Is it your favourite TV show character? Is it the smell of soap when you shower?
You don’t have to pretend you are okay. It might seem weak to admit that you are struggling, but it is the strongest, most courageous thing you can do. It is so hard to tell other people that you are unhappy. Especially the people who love you. But by writing your letter you have done something wonderful and profound. You have realised how you are feeling and reflected on it. You have expressed yourself through writing. That takes great emotional intelligence.
I don’t know you, but I can tell that you have a bright future ahead of you. I know that you will help other people one day. Other people who feel depressed and need someone to help guide them. You might even save their life. You are so needed in this world. We need people like you, people who know what it is like. People who have been through dark times. But you need to stay and tell them what it’s like on the other side.
As someone who has been through difficult and dark times myself, I promise you (with all my heart) that things will get better. It might not be tomorrow or the day after that, but it can be faster than you think. Your whole life can change in a few months.
I know you will look back on this period of your life and you will be so glad that you stayed. You will feel sad for your younger self who wasn’t supported or seen or loved in the way they should have been. You will give them a hug from the future. You just need to get through this tough patch. Things will change soon, but you have to stay. Please stay. We love you and we need you to stay.
Tu comptes, tu es aimé.