SILENCED PAIN BY RIA BENJAMIN

Rachel had been called reserved all her life. Quiet, calm and shy. Introvert to the core. Brilliant student, always at the top of her class. Everyone thought she was just brought up to be the way she was. But she carried a burden that nobody knew about. Wherever she went, she carried a smile. Hidden of painful emotions. Rachel's pain was deep and profound, but she had never been able to express it. 

Growing up, she felt like she had to work harder than everyone else to earn the approval of her family. Her parents had high expectations for her, and she felt like she was constantly striving to meet those expectations, but never quite measuring up.

Despite her efforts, Rachel never felt like she belonged. She didn’t have many friends, and the ones she did have seemed to use her for their own purposes. She tried to please them, but it never seemed to be enough. This left her feeling lonely and isolated, with no one to turn to.

One day, Rachel’s carefully constructed façade crumbled. She was overwhelmed by the weight of her emotions, unable to hold them in any longer. She reached out to the people around her, hoping for someone to understand, to help her carry the burden.

But instead, she was met with rejection and misunderstanding. Her friends and family couldn’t comprehend the depth of her pain, and they urged her to “just get over it.” Rachel felt more alone than ever before.

Unable to cope with the pain any longer, Rachel made a decision that would change everything. She took her own life, unable to bear the weight of her emotions any longer.

Her family and friends were left in shock and disbelief, struggling to understand what had driven her to this tragic end. They had never realized the extent of her pain, the depth of her despair.

Rachel’s story is a tragic reminder of the importance of listening and understanding. We never truly know what someone else is going through, and sometimes all it takes is a kind word or a listening ear to make all the difference. The importance of reaching out to those around us, checking in on them, and creating a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to express their feelings and receive help when needed.