When 'I'm alright' means something else
And who's actually listening to the truth?
Published Dec 1, 2025 11:57 am
It starts the same way every morning. Someone asks, “how are you?” and the answer comes out faster than your heartbeat—“I’m alright.” It’s automatic, almost like breathing. No one hears the small shake in your voice, the tired eyes you try to hide, or the way you hold your bag a little tighter. In this generation, saying you’re “alright” is easier than explaining why you slept at 2 a.m., why everything feels heavy, or why you suddenly feel tired even when you haven’t done much.
“Just tired.”
A line teens have memorized, even when the truth is more complicated. Some are tired from endless school requirements. Others are tired from expectations—family, teachers, friends, society. And some are tired from emotions they don’t even understand. But still, the answer stays the same: Alright.
For others, school feels like a battlefield.
“I can’t do it anymore, but I still keep going.”
Students push themselves to look strong. They go to class with a smile, take notes even when their mind feels blank, and laugh with friends even when their chest feels tight. But deep down, they are breaking little by little.
The truth is, many teens today carry problems quietly.
“It’s nothing.”
That line is used to minimize pain, to avoid questions, or to stop anyone from worrying. But this “nothing” is often a pile of stress, fear, pressure, and emotions stacked on their shoulders.
Social media doesn’t make it easier. Everywhere you look, there are people your age achieving something—awards, honor rolls, perfect photos, perfect lives. Teens start to think: “Why am I not like them? Am I not enough? Why does it feel like I’m the only one falling behind?”
Behind closed doors, the truth becomes clearer.
Some can’t sleep because their mind won’t stop thinking.
Some cry quietly so no one hears.
Some pretend to laugh, even when the smile feels forced.
Some wish they could talk, but don’t know where to begin.
And some feel alone, even when surrounded by people.
But still, they say, “Okay lang.”
Mental health struggles among teens are real, but many stay silent because they fear being judged, misunderstood, or told they’re being dramatic.
“Just work harder.”
“Stop overthinking.”
These are words teens hear often, but they don’t solve anything. If anything, they make teens feel more alone.
Yet despite everything, teens continue to fight. They still wake up. They still go to school. They still try. Their strength is quiet but real. They hold on, even when they don’t know how.
So the next time someone says they’re “alright,” maybe we should listen a little closer. Maybe “alright” doesn’t always mean alright.
If everyone is saying they’re “alright,” who’s actually listening to the truth?
I’m Althea Nicole Piloneo, a 17-year-old student from Dahat National Vocational High School. I love writing poems, stories, essays, and literature because it allows me to explore ideas, express my thoughts, and share my perspective with others.
“Voices” is Manila Bulletin Lifestyle’s dedicated space for young writers and future journalists to speak up about the topics that matter to their generation—from pop culture and social trends to mental health, education, and everything in between.
We welcome article submissions from youth writers up to 25 years old, with each piece limited to 500 words. To submit, send your article to [email protected] with the subject line: Voices: (Article Title), or send us a DM at @manilabulletinlifestyle on Instagram.
Don’t forget to include a short bio with your age, school, course, hobbies, and any other details you’d like readers to know. We can’t wait to read your stories!