You’re Still Here And That Means Something

Understand the importance of being here, boost self-esteem, and learn resilience with these practical strategies for teenagers.

About this article...

  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 5 minute read
  • 880 words (2.2 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Self-Harm & Suicide and Mental Health
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that you're still here, right now, reading this? It might sound simple, but it's actually pretty amazing. Being here, being you, and continuing to move forward every day is something really special. It's not just about being physically present. It's about surviving, thriving, and making your mark in this world, which isn't always easy, especially as a teenager.

Why Being Here Really Matters

Every single day, you're faced with challenges - homework, exams, friendship dramas, figuring out who you are and what you want to be. That's a lot on your mind! But despite all these, here you are, pushing through each day. This shows your resilience and determination. It means that you have the strength to face challenges and the courage to keep going, even when things get tough. Being here also gives you the opportunity to make a difference, both in your own life and in the lives of others. Every smile, kind word, or helpful action you provide can change someone else's day for the better. You have the power to influence the world around you in positive ways.

How It Affects You

Realising that your presence has value can affect you in many ways. For starters, it can increase your self-esteem. When you know that you matter, you begin to see yourself in a more positive light. Higher self-esteem means you're more likely to take good care of yourself and strive for your goals. This understanding can also help you build resilience. Resilience is about bouncing back from difficulties and not giving up. When you recognise your own importance, you're more likely to persevere through challenges because you know you're worth the effort.

Practical Strategies for Recognising Your Value

Knowing you're still here and that it means something is great, but sometimes, we all need a little help to remember it. Here are some strategies to help you remind yourself of your own value: You're Still Here And That Means Something

1. Keep a Success Journal

Start a journal where you write down things you're proud of each day. It could be anything from doing well on a test to helping a friend. This will help you see how many good things you do and how they add up over time.

2. Practice Self-Care

Take care of your body and mind. Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep and do activities that you enjoy. Taking care of yourself is a powerful way to affirm that you deserve your own kindness and attention.

3. Set Personal Goals

Setting goals and working towards them can help you see your own growth and achievements. This doesn't have to be big goals. Even small ones, like improving a skill or finishing a book, are significant.

4. Help Others

When you help others, you not only make their lives better, but you also affirm your own ability to make a difference. This can be as simple as being a good listener when a friend is having a tough time. When we feel low (and we all do at times) it can feel like we don't matter, that our family wouldn't care if we weren't around or that the world would be better without us. By helping others however you can, you will see the value that you have and why you are always appreciated and wanted.

5. Reflect on Compliments

When someone compliments you, write it down. When you're feeling down or doubting yourself, read these compliments. They're real evidence of the positive impact you have on others.

What Next?

Understanding and accepting that you being here is an achievement and that it carries weight can profoundly impact how you view yourself and interact with the world. It helps you value yourself more and encourages you to keep making positive choices. Just remember, every day you're here is a new chance to grow, help others, and make your mark. So, next time you think about your day, remember, you being here, still pushing forward and continuing to try your best, is something truly significant. It's a testament to your strength, your value, and your potential to make positive changes in your life and the lives of others.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.