Having thoughts that scare you — about life, death, school, your body, or anything else — is more common than you might think. Sometimes they appear suddenly and won’t leave your mind, spinning around until it feels impossible to quiet them. It can be frightening and lonely, but you’re not alone in this.

Many teenagers experience periods of difficult or scary thoughts. It can be linked to stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, tiredness, or simply feeling overwhelmed. The thoughts themselves aren’t dangerous, but they can feel heavy — and that’s why it’s important not to keep them to yourself.

Talking about them can feel intimidating. You might worry that no one will take you seriously, or that they’ll misunderstand you. But speaking up is brave, and it’s often the first step toward feeling better.

Alma’s tips:

• Write down your thoughts — seeing them on paper can make them easier to understand.

• Talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, or youth health center.

• Remember: thoughts are just thoughts. They don’t define who you are.