EncourageTheYouth

Keep Your Head Up

To all the youth out there,

I know its hard and to do what you do everyday…getting up early in the morning, facing sometimes people you don’t want to face, listening to teachers you may  not want to listen to…but I wanted to encourage you by saying if you are doing that everyday then you are doing a great job and good things will come your way. An whenever times get hard please feel free to to talk to someone…don’t let all your hurt,anger or pain be bottled up inside. And if you have nobody to talk to…I am here and I’d love to listen to anyone that wants to share. The reason why is because I was a kid that was unheard and unseen…nobody wanted to hear what I had to say…I was being bullied,I was part of gangs, I did it all but now I’m an bestselling author and actor and I try to reach out to young people that was like me. That was depressed and had to deal with drama everyday of their life. If that person is you and you have knowone to talk to then hit me up. I don’t know if I can place links on here but I am easy to find. You can always google me my name is Darrius Garrett and I am one of the Original Freedom Writers that wrote the book Freedom Writers Diary that was made into a movie in 2007 starring Hilary Swank. Marcus the young kid that friend committed suicide in front of him is my character and is based ONLY on me from the homelessness,to the gangs etc. So trust me there is nothing that I haven’t heard and I want to be there to hear you. Be inspired and I can’t wait to talk to you.

Waldo Canyon Fire!

  EncourageTheYouth’s home state of Colorado is currently suffering from SEVERAL wildfires! The damage our beautiful state is currently enduring is horrifying. Many people are beginning to lose their homes, belongings and even jobs. Dozens of animals ranging from common household pets all the way up to horses, cow and deers have been displaced due to this tragedy.

  We ask our Hopeline supporters to post inspirational messages to ALL of those in our state, please extend a caring heart to us! We need positive vibes sent our way. So feel free to post any POSITIVE comments, photos or quotes on our Tumblr wall, on twitter @EncourageYouth or facebook @Hope line for Teenagers or our other facebook @encourage the youth 

We would also like to send a HUGE thanks to all the awesome firefighters who are currently risking their lives to save our state and to those individuals who have donated supplies, money, time and prayers to these honorable men.

Thank you all so much for your continuous support and love, you are all AMAZING!

EncourageTheYouth!

Gary,

   I am 20 years old, although I am not a teen anymore I am still dealing with a lot. I came down with a health issue when I was 13 years old that made me miss a lot of school. From then on things changed, I lost a lot of my friends. I became very suicidal, and started hurting myself. My high school ended up finding out along with my parents and my parents claimed it was a “phase”.

  I took it upon myself to get help from a psychitrist who put me on meds. Things seemed to get better, but i still had episodes where I would hurt myself and think suicide was the only way out. I still have these feelings. 9 months ago, I was convinced I was going to kill myself b/c I was just so sick of living like this.

  I get into stages where I feel better, and then worse again. Right now I’m ok, but I just wonder If I will ever get better?! Its been almost 8 years and I still feel this pain and thing these horrible thoughts. I go awhile without cutting or burning, then I relapse.

Advice? 

I am very happy to hear that you took it upon yourself to seek help from a professional. I too have been in the same exact boat. My suggestion would be to find some sort of hobby. My personal remedy has been Martial Arts and MMA, believe it or not. Training and practicing relieves physical tension and mental stress. The physical activity helps keep my body healthy, which in turn, keeps my mind healthy. When you find something positive that makes you happy, be sure to stick with it!

  I have lived with depression, anxiety, panic disorder etc for around 8 or 9 years myself, friend. I can tell you that it gets MUCH easier when you find a way that suits your personal needs. Do you enjoy art, writing, exercise, sports, or maybe even hangin’ out with some close friends? All of these are positive outlets that will ease your soul.

  Also, be sure to visit your therapist regularly and be HONEST about your problems, otherwise, they cannot help you properly. If you feel that your current care plan is not benefiting your needs, be sure to speak up. Please keep in mind that suicide is a PERMANENT solution to a TEMPORARY problem!

  Imagine where you want to be ten years from now, married, homeowner, what job, etc. Now draw out a year-by-year plan of how you are going to get there! you will be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you set personal goals for yourself.

  I do hope that this has helped you out. If not, please contact me again, either here on tumblr, or on twitter @EncourageYouth, or facebook @Hope line for Teenagers.

  Also, here is some emergency contact info if you are ever in critical need in help, if you ever feel you are going to physically harm yourself in ANY way, I urge you to call one of these numbers first. Keep in mind that I am NOT a professional, merely an advice-giver. These people can help you out much better than I.

  -National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255): Suicide hotline, 24/7 free and confidential, nationwide network of crisis centers.

  -National Hopeline Network 1-800-784-2433

Take care my friend! I hope to hear from you soon.
  -Gary

EncourageTheYouth!

drunk driving is one of the most dangerous, careless things you could ever do.
please take a moment to consider all of the lives you put in harms way,
not just physically, but emotionally as well.
my heart and thoughts go out to those who have lost a loved one in pueblo, colorado this past weekend.

be sure to continue messaging and posting us. we love to hear whatever it is you wanna talk about. even if you just wanna tell us what a great day you’ve had :] remember, we are here to HELP and love EVERY SINGE ONE of you!

EncourageTheYouth!

don’t forget about us guys!

:)

we are STILL here to answer any advice questions or help with any problems you may have.

be sure to click “submit anonymously” and ask away!

hope to hear from you all soon!

Sadly,

we will have to change our name.

we will now be known as EncourageTheYouth.

please share this info with all Hopeline4Teens followers and supporters,

we will still be ran by the same team, have the same goals and give the same great advice to those in need.

but we will be known as EncourageTheYouth.

we thank you all for your support and we hope you will continue to follow.

please repost this so more can see.

thank you,

-ETY Team.

I had to tell someone…

-FOLLOWER SUBMISSON-

We are both transgender

We are both dealing with abusive families

We have both battled suicidal thoughts and self harm for years

We help each other fight through our depression, even in our darkest moments

He asked, and I said yes.

It can get better, and it WILL. You have to stay strong.

-END SUBMISSION-

wow that is so amazing! it’s very inspiring to hear that the two of you have made it so far together! :) it’s good to have someone by your side who understands what you are going through and is there to comfort you from a similar background. the fact that you were able to find each other in this huge world is astounding. you are both truly the epitome of love. i wish the both of you the best in your relationship, future and life in general. i hope you both stay in contact with us and we are happy to have your support! we are a team that was built to give hope, and you in turn, have given ME hope. 

-Gary