This is the piece that I’ve struggled with the most. In my head, I should write this based on a lot of different sources and professional advice, but it doesn’t feel real to me. No fact or statistic is going to help here; we both know that. What might help is knowing that here you are seen, you are heard, you are supported, and you are never alone.

If you do need help, you can Talk to Professionals or Talk to Me. If there’s an emergency, dial 999.

The first time I ever hurt myself, I was 11. I can’t even remember why. I think maybe a friend of mine was self-harming, and I stupidly copied them. I didn’t stop until I was 17. It was hard.

Most nights, I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. I’d do anonymous online chats with ChildLine at daft times in the morning, just to have someone to listen. From the outside, nothing was ever wrong; I grew up in a nice area, with a well-educated, close family. But it genuinely felt like a black cloud over me, and I have no idea why or what caused it. It was just unexplainable. I remember my mum constantly asking me what was wrong, and I couldn’t say anything; there was nothing wrong. I just felt empty.

I’ve come a long way, but sometimes I still feel that dark cloud. Every once in a while, I go numb. And when I used to dwell in it, or hurt myself, I’ve gotten better at stepping back, giving myself space, and sitting with those feelings instead of acting on them.

I used to feel so confused: ‘why don’t I know what’s wrong’, ‘why is there no answer’, ‘what’s wrong with me’. The biggest thing that I’ve learnt is that not everything has an answer. Sometimes, you can feel sad for no clear reason, and that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It’s uncomfortable, and it can feel overwhelming, but it is part of being human. It hits you like a train, but it is normal.

Learning to look after your mental health while you’re young makes a difference. It helps you build healthier ways to cope, stronger relationships, and the confidence to set boundaries and take care of yourself in the future.

Women go through life with so much on their minds, even at a young age. You don’t always have to have the answer. You just have to be open to help. It takes time, but it’s worth it.

You can get more advice on: Self-harm: Ask Sam | Childline