Dear friends

A letter from the editors,

Mental health is an issue that impacts millions of individuals every year, yet despite the relevance, it tends to be a topic avoided in discussions. As a Roar staff, we are working to break the stigmas around mental health issues and cover stories that deal with this difficult topic.

We strive to write articles that matter.  

The article below is the starting point for a section we are working to develop thoughtfully and purposefully, regarding mental health. One of our staff writers has decided to share his experiences with self-harm by addressing the impact it had on those closest to him.

Mary Holohan and Morgan King

To the best friend who bore my burden,

I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything that I put you though, for the lies and the trust you gave me even though I knew I didn’t deserve it. But, it’s been a while since I cut, a little over a year to be precise, and even then I knew was a mistake. I wish I could tell you that, despite everything, I made it. Throughout all the self-sabotage and self-harm I managed to learn some things, specifically how much it hurts to have a close friend put you through their pain and suffering. It truly hurts and I’m sorry to say that I put you through that. I hope you can forgive me.

—

To the friend that I made a promise to,

Remember the day I came to you and told you my deepest darkest secrets and that I self-harmed? I hate to say it. But that night I relapsed, I did the unthinkable and went right against my word. I went home and did it again, even though hours ago I told you “never again.” I hope it’s not too late to forgive me.

—

To the friend that I ignored even though I needed their help,

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I was scared and in a dark time in my life. I knew that you were trying to help but I wish that I hadn’t been ashamed or nervous even though I still am now. I overcame it though, I beat my urge to self-harm, even if it took me years to do it. Thanks for trying to be there even when I pushed you away.

—

To the friend who I told a joke I shouldn’t have,

Remember that one time you made a mistake and we laughed? When that happened I didn’t think very much of what I said to you, but you did. Maybe because it was just shocking or because it was just sudden, but I told you it was fine. Well, looking back, it was the wrong thing to say, at least for me because even though I didn’t know it, I was still healing. It gave the impression that I was totally healed but I wasn’t. I’m sorry.

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