Young people face real struggles, yet many adults dismiss them with phrases like “You’re young, you’ll figure it out.” There’s an assumption that time will heal everything, as if youth itself protects against suffering. In reality, this indifference often leaves them to face their battles alone, without the recognition or support they need.

Looking back, I realize that the hardest years weren’t in adulthood but in my youth. The younger I was, the worse I suffered. I lacked the tools and experience to handle pain, and the feeling of helplessness was overwhelming. Often, the problem isn’t the lack of solutions but the absence of someone who truly listens without condescension.

That’s why when I see a young person with eyes full of distress, I feel the urge to tell them everything will be fine. But I know that’s not always true. Not all problems disappear with time. Some just change shape, and others leave scars that last a lifetime. Instead of downplaying their struggles, we should be present, listening, without empty reassurances.