What I Wish I Knew At Age 15

Hey 15 year old, If you want help finding a sense of calm wherever you go, carry a small sentimental object around you that comforts you, a lot like how a little kid will carry their favorite blankie around. You don't have to grow out of that kind of thing, you know?

Hey 15 year old, If you would like to read some eating disorder recovery blogs, I recommend And Then She Recovered, Make Peace with Food, Eating Disorder Hope, Beat Eating Disorders, Project HEAL, Recovery Warriors, The Friend I Never Want(ED) and more.

Hey 15 year old, No matter what your parents or family says, psychology is a science and mental illness is real. If they don't listen, you might want to try to look for at least one single sane adult, whether it's a teacher, neighbor, aunt/uncle, and so on.

Hey 15 year old, If you have a discriminated identity of some kind, of course, it's important to explore that identity of yours, no doubt. Just recognize that there are parts of your identity beyond that, and that you are not defined by that.

Hey 15 year old, If you need a casual way to pick your mood up (that I'm not saying will fix anything serious), look for wholesome memes, mental health memes or memes related to your stresses (ex. studies, family, depression, social anxiety, etc.).

Hey 15 year old, Oftentimes, you have to look for good role models around you. It can be someone you personally know, someone famous or someone fictional, it just helps if you have a specific image of what you want to be, but choose carefully.

Hey 15 year old, It's okay to be an introvert if you feel more comfortable being alone. Look up keywords like "strengths of introverts," "benefits of being an introvert," and "brains of introverts," if you're convinced being an introvert is wrong.

Hey 15 year old, It's better not to make big decisions when you're in an a very emotional mood. Get some rest and some sleep first, then when your head is a little more calm the next day, make a decision.

Hey 15 year old, If you're worried about something, write down all your worries on a paper and crumple it up, cut it with scissors or destroy it in any other way. It will help make you feel better.

Hey 15 year old, Some up coming life

Hey 15 year old, You don't have to be perfect to deserve love. You don't have to accomplish anything or be anything to deserve love. You deserve love just the way you are.

Hey 15 year old, Don't make generalizations on certain people based on trauma. If a person who hurt you was a certain gender, sexuality, race, age, religion, class, appearance and more, do not assume everyone in that group is trying to hurt you.

Hey 15 year old, What you create or accomplish is different from who you are. Criticizing what you make or work on is different from an attack of your character. Know the difference between petty insults and concerned constructive criticism.

Hey 15 year old, If you want to make people like you, the best way is to do something kind for them instead of trying to show off yourself. The simplest genuine compliment, doing small favors or the simplest ways of saying thank you can do a lot for that.

Hey 15 year old, In your worries, recognize if you're exaggerating the problem to be worse than it really is. I'm not saying there's no problem, or that a problem isn't hard, but perhaps it's not literally cause for concern for the end of the world, right?

Hey 15 year old, A basic thing to learn about managing emotions is that stating what you feel, even to yourself, helps calm yourself down. When upset, point out the emotion/s you're feeling. Point out the thoughts you're thinking. Observe your emotions and thoughts.

Hey 15 year old, Different pieces of advice work for different sorts of people. It might work for them, but it might not work for you. The same is true in reverse. It might work for you, but not for others. Follow what works for you, and don't force advice on others.

Hey 15 year old, People are confused and have no idea what they're doing. Even when people get older, people have no idea what they're doing. We're all just trying to figure things out as we go, and that's normal. We're all just human.

Hey 15 year old, If you're stuck on figuring out the things you like, notice the things you envy about in others and the types of things that irritate you. What makes you jealous? Why? What makes you mad? Why? Ask the right questions.

Hey 15 year old, Find some time alone to find yourself sometimes. Learn how to be your own best friend, and find out what your own interests are separate from your friends and family.

Hey 15 year old, If you want to calm down from a panic attack, learn grounding. (Search "list of grounding techniques.") For example, learn to stay present by counting everything you see in a particular color, and then after, choose another color.

Hey 15 year old, Remember to be careful about comparing yourself to those on social media. People only post the happiest and positive sides of their lives. No one wants to talk about all their problems, and people want to look perfect to others online.

Hey 15 year old, Some people are going to gain talents very early, while some will take more time to gain talent. This is normal. In the long run, someone who showed more effort without talent goes farther than someone with talent but no effort.

Hey 15 year old, Know the signs of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia and more that is more common at this age. It can save someone's life or even yours. Don't be afraid to ask help if you need it.

Hey 15 year old, If you're stuck depressed about the state of the world today, you're free to google ways to help. Look up simple things like "How to help others," "How to help the environment," "How to help your community," or how to help any cause you choose.

Hey 15 year old, If you have trouble being confident, list the things you like about yourself, and make a habit of looking at it regularly whenever you get insecure. Another involves writing all the compliments (however few!) made you feel good about yourself.

Hey 15 year old, It is your responsibility to show basic human decency, but people are not entitled to being liked by you, being friends with you or being a romantic partner of you. It's not your job to care for random people's insecurities all the time.

Hey 15 year old, People often procrastinate on homework because they believe it's not worth it unless it's perfect. Make an effort to pass homework and tests even if it's not perfect. Do your best, regardless of how hard it is. At least guess.

Hey 15 year old, Not every person you offer your secrets will keep your secrets, so be careful who you trust. Take the time to get to know them before offering details of your private life.

Hey 15 year old, Not every photo you see on the internet is completely unedited. These days, filters can be done in such a natural way, it looks real. Contrary to popular belief, filters can also be applied in videos, not just images, these days.