Rose, age 16
“I thought I had to fix everything on my own. Youth Talk showed me I didn’t.”
Growing up, Rose struggled with her mental health – but like so many young people, she didn’t feel able to ask for help.
She tried to cope on her own. For a long time, it felt like there was nowhere to turn.
Then Youth Talk made things feel possible again.
What was going on for you at the time?
Growing up, I struggled with my mental health – and I’m not afraid to admit that.
I tried everything on my own to fix things, I felt like I wanted to help myself, but I just wasn’t able to.
For years, I felt like I was at my lowest point. I just didn’t know what to do anymore and the burden of my problems became too much.
What was it like trying to get support?
It was really difficult. I did try to reach out, but it felt hopeless. It felt like there wasn’t anything available.
Waiting lists to see therapists can be so long. It just made everything feel even more impossible – like there was no help there when you needed it.
How did you find Youth Talk?
I was ready to give up trying to help myself. Then I heard about Youth Talk at school and I reached out for support.
After that, it was only a matter of weeks before I was being seen regularly. That made such a difference.
What did Youth Talk give you?
I felt like I was really being listened to – and understood.
With their help and guidance, I was able to work through my problems and start to see a way forward again – I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
They helped me realise there was more to life than what I’d been telling myself.
How are things different for you now?
It’s been a couple of years now, and I’m not in need of support anymore.
But I know how much Youth Talk’s confidential counselling helped me face my struggles. It made a real difference in my life.
What would you say to another young person?
So many young people are struggling with their mental health and some feel like they can’t ask for help.
But you don’t have to do everything on your own.
Why does Youth Talk matter?
I’ll always be grateful for the support Youth Talk gave me.
And I know that every day, they’re helping other young people who are struggling just like I was.
Watch Rose’s Story below