A Story by George, Age: 16

Hey, let me share my story with you. I’m a 16-year-old guy, and man. I’ve been dealing with some serious anger issues lately. It all goes back to my middle school days when I got bullied by those other kids. They made fun of me all the time because I stutter and I’m a bit shorter than them. Like I wanted to be the way I am. Why am I being harassed and bullied for something that it’s not in my control?

Those bullies really got to me, you know? They knew exactly how to push my buttons and make me feel small and helpless. It’s like they saw my vulnerabilities and used them against me.

But here’s the thing—I’m not one to sit around and take it. I know deep down that being all aggressive and lashing out isn’t the answer. I’m just so confused, though. How do I deal with all this pain and frustration?

That’s when it hit me—I need help. I can’t handle this on my own. So, I reached out and started talking to a counselor.

In those counseling sessions, I’m starting to understand myself better. I’m learning ways to manage my anger and find healthier outlets for my emotions. It’s a process, for sure, but I’m making progress, step by step.

But it’s not just about managing my anger. I’m also working on my self-confidence. I’m learning to embrace all the awesome things about myself, like my intelligence and my empathy. I’m realizing that I’m so much more than just a stutter or my height.

Sure, there are days when I still feel confused and overwhelmed, but I’ve got a support system now. My friends, my family, and my counselor—they’ve got my back. They remind me that I’m not defined by what those bullies said or did to me.

So, yeah, things have been tough, but I’m on my way to a brighter future. I’m taking control of my emotions, seeking help, and discovering my own strength. And you know what? I’m confident that I’ll come out of this even stronger than before.