16 - Frustrated and alone
I've struggled with severe bullying throughout secondary school. Popular girls constantly teased me for my weight, hair, and voice, and even random students and teens on the street joined in. Teachers and my year group leader did nothing to help, often blaming me for being quiet. This relentless bullying destroyed my self-confidence and left me feeling like everything I did was meaningless. At home, I faced arguments and insults, which only worsened my depression and affected my grades. Despite being close to drastic actions, I somehow managed to survive those years.
Now, I'm about to start sixth form, which I hear is even more stressful. I still feel the pain of my past and fear falling back into depression. The bullying has left me a shell of who I used to be, and I struggle to make friends because of my low self-esteem. I’m scared of what I might do to myself, and I just want to be able to be myself again and have friends.