A journey to healing

Brianna Guadalupe Machuca

At 13 years old, life shifted differently for Ahtziri Ramirez. In what should have been a regular year in middle school instead became one of the most difficult periods of her life.

The change began during the 7th grade. The school itself wasn't something new, but everything felt unfamiliar. Friend groups were changing classes, but once she turned 13, those small changes started to affect her much more deeply.

Like many teenagers, Ramirez began noticing changes in herself. However, instead of excitement about growing up, those changes brought constant self-doubt. She began comparing herself to others and felt like nothing about her appearance or personality was good enough.

Ramirez states, “I wouldn't like how my body looked, my appearance, my personality, or anything in general.” Those feelings slowly pushed her away from the people around her. Even though she still had friends and family who cared about her, she felt alone. Instead of opening up, she kept everything to herself.

During this time, she struggled with her self-image and her relationship with food. She often avoided meals and tried to stay away from mirrors. The emotional weight she carried felt overwhelming, and she struggled to find healthy ways to cope.

For a long time, she hid what she was going through. She wore sweaters frequently to cover marks on her wrists and avoided questions from people who noticed. When friends asked, she made excuses. When family members asked questions, she made up believable stories.

“I always had an excuse ready,” she said. “I didn't want anyone to know what was really happening.”

Ahtziri shares her story about overcoming personal struggles during middle school and learning the importance of speaking up and supporting others.

Eventually, the truth came out during a doctor's appointment. She was pulled into another room alone with her mother, and her mother asked about the marks on her wrists. After being asked multiple times, Ramirez finally admitted what had been going on. 

That moment had been difficult and emotional for both of them; instead of anger, her mother responded with support. She reassured her daughter that she was not alone and encouraged her to speak up whenever she needed help.

That conversation became a turning point for Ramirez.

With support from her family, Ramirez slowly began working towards healthier ways of dealing with her emotions. The process was not easy, but over time, she learned to cope with the thoughts that had once overwhelmed her.

Ahtziri now states, “I think all I needed was reassurance and honesty. Someone to acknowledge what I was going through.”

Three years later, today, Ramirez carries an important lesson from that difficult chapter of her life. Because she understands how easy it is for someone to hide their struggles, she makes an effort to check on others around her. “That's why I always try to check in with people now, you never really know what someone is going through.”

Ramirez’s story is a reminder that even in the hardest moments, honesty and support can help someone begin to heal.