Writing out emotions is a form of emotional processing that helps the brain to regulate emotion, add perspective, and reduce its intensity.
After about a year of writing, junior Ahbre Cockrum wasn’t planning on publishing.
“Writting gets the words out that I can’t say,” Cockrum said. “Seeing my writing on the page it helps me understand how I feel. I have always had a passion for writing but never thought I was good enough to publish any type of book.”
Four drafts later, Cockrum self-published her book, “Everything I Couldn’t Say,” through Barnes and Noble.
Composed of about 35 poems, Cockrum brings her journey of healing to awareness:exploring themes of depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and the emotional effect they have.
In coorilation with Joiner’s Interpersonal-Psychological Theory, people who struggle with self-harm or suicide are more likely to look for help if they have 1-3 quality people in their lives.
In the acknowledgements, Cockrum expresses her gratitude to certain people in her life.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Tierney Grossman,” Ahbre said. “Now my mom, Shawnah Cockrum, there are no words that can fully capture the depth of my gratitude for her. This book exists, in no small part, because of her unwavering support.”
One of the main reasons she wanted to publish this piece is because of how many people suffer with mental and eating disorders. She included this statistic: 1 in every 200 girls between the ages of 13 to 19 self harm.
So, in addition to expressing her story, she includes comforting words to those who are currently dealing with depression, self-harm, and eating disorders.
“If you are struggling with anything,” Cockrum said, “even if you feel like you don’t need any help, trust me it is better to get help then to not.”
Finding her solace through writing, Cockrum encourages others to find their solace from their struggles.
“You are going to have worse days than others,” Cockrum said, “but just know, people care, someone cares, somewhere out there. I finished this book to help others and show you that you’re not alone.”
If you or someone you know self-harms, get help right now.
Crisis Text Line: crisistextline.org; Text 741-741
S.A.F.E Alternatives: selfinjury.com; 1-800-DONTCUT
Mental Health America (MHA):
mentalhealthamerica.net/set-injury
If you or someone you know suffers from depression, get help right now.
Teen Lifeline: teenlifeline.org
1-800-248-8336
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
Teen Mental Health: teenmentalhealth.org
If you or someone you know is suicidal, get help right now.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
suicidepreventionlifeline.org; 1-800-8255
Link to “Everything I Couldn’t Say” by Ahbre Cockrum, Barnes and Noble
