Angela's Story

My name is Angela and I’m 16 years old.

My life has always had its ups and downs. I’ve been unwell for most of my life and never really understood why. When I was 12, I started using alcohol and drugs most nights. Around that time, I met someone who told me he was 14. I trusted him completely and gave him my whole heart.

Later, I found out he wasn’t honest about his age. Things changed after that. The relationship became unsafe. I was hurt in ways I didn’t deserve, more than once. I felt trapped and overwhelmed, and I turned to hurting myself because I didn’t know how else to cope. At the time, it felt like the only way to get through the pain, but it became dangerous.

There were moments when I didn’t think I would make it. There were times I questioned why I was still here after everything that happened.

For a while, things started to improve. But recently, I’ve found myself struggling again, both physically and emotionally.

If you’re reading this, I just want you to know you’re not alone. No matter what you’ve been through.

And if you’re in a relationship that feels unsafe or wrong, please tell someone you trust. What’s happening is not your fault.