I have bipolar and was put on medication. I want other teens to know mental illness isn't taboo anymore so get help!

Crying and punching things only helped for a little while. Then it was time to tackle my problems by learning how to deal with them.

I refused to leave my room because that's where I felt safe. I lost friends. Thank God I had my mum. She was the rock through it all.

The rape took over my life. I was scared he was going to try and do it again. I had to go to court but got lots of advice and support along the way.

I was slowly giving up. Ready to do something really stupid. By reading and getting advice I realised there are things I can do to overcome my problems.

Things went down hill. More arguments, more getting into trouble, more horrible things that I longed to stop happening. Getting help was the best thing I did.

I would cry myself to sleep knowing the next day would be the same drama. A few strategies helped me get better. Don't give up.

I constanlty aruged with my mum and her husband. The story got turned around and I would be the bad one. Finding at least one person to talk to helps.

I failed nearly all my exams due to lack of time management and stress. Hearing other kids stories made me realise I'm not the only person suffering.

I barely smiled at school. I couldn't talk to my friends cause they didn't understand. But I realised there ARE people out there to support me.