Melanie Chubb Counsellor

12/06/2026

09/11/2025

10 things teens want you to know

1. I still need you, even when I act like I don’t
The attitude, the silence, the distance – it’s not rejection. It’s how I protect myself while I figure things out. I still need you close, even if I don’t show it.
2. When you yell, I shut down
You might think you’re getting through, but I stop listening. What I hear instead is shame, fear, and disappointment.
3. I care what you think. Maybe too much
Your opinion of me sticks. When you criticise me, I remember. When you’re proud of me, I carry that with me.
4. I’m not trying to be disrespectful. I’m trying to feel in control
Sometimes it feels like pushing back is the only way I can keep my voice. But deep down, I still want your guidance.
5. Sometimes I don’t know why I feel the way I do
My emotions are intense and unpredictable. I’m not being dramatic. I’m overwhelmed and trying to cope.
6. When you compare me to others, it hurts
Even if you mean well, it makes me feel like I’m not good enough, like I’m always falling short of some invisible standard.
7. I wish you asked me about the things I care about
Not just school or chores. Ask me about my interests, my friends, my world. Show me I matter beyond my performance.
8. When you lecture, I tune out. When you listen, I open up
I need space to talk things through without fear of being judged or corrected every time I speak.
9. I’m scared of disappointing you
I may pretend not to care, but I do. I want to make you proud, even if I don’t always know how.
10. I need you to believe in me, especially when I don’t believe in myself
Be the steady voice that reminds me I’m capable, lovable, and not alone.

10/10/2025

Today I said “I’m fine”, not once
But five times altogether
When people asked “how are you?”
Then made small talk of the weather

And so I hid behind my mask
The one I’d worn a while
I set in place my bravest face
And dressed it with a smile

And that was how the day went
All “I’m fine” and talk of rain
Until somebody asked me how I was
Then asked again

They asked if I was truly fine
And I said I was not
And they said they were sorry
That they couldn’t do a lot

But then they sat beside me
Whilst I spoke the truth at last
They listened and they held me
As the tears slipped through my mask

And where before, I’d felt I should
Maintain this brave façade,
I realised there was much to gain
By letting down my guard

See, though my load was still the same
It now was not as heavy
‘Cause sitting and offloading it
Had helped a bit already

Today they asked “how are you?”
And I told them I was fine
‘Til someone saw behind the mask
And asked me one more time

And though they may have felt
That there was little they could do
They’ll never know how much it meant
To tell someone the truth

*******

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day - so, this is your reminder that talking to someone can help ###

Becky Hemsley 2022
Artwork by the very talented

“I’m fine” is from my second collection: https://amzn.to/487AuTn
(affiliate link)

08/10/2025

Teen anger often hides deeper feelings.
Sometimes what looks like anger in a teenager is really something else underneath —
💔 hurt
😔 sadness
😟 fear
😤 frustration
😞 shame

Anger can feel safer to show than vulnerability. It’s a way of saying “I’m not okay” without having to admit it out loud.

When you see anger, try to look beneath it.
What emotion might really be there?
Listening, staying calm, and offering understanding can make all the difference.