Hi there
Thank you for telling me how things are for you. You’ve been very honest about how being bullied makes you feel. You’ve also told me about your suicide attempts and that you might be bulimic.
The most important thing I hope you can take in is that ChildLine cares about you. You haven’t told me what the rumour is about you, but you seem sure that everyone knows about it and that it is making you feel alone. I know it can be hard to "stick up for yourself" – as your parents advise. However, it would be good if a ChildLine counsellor could hear more about this bullying. For example, if rumours are being spread online or via text messaging, there are ways to trace and report that kind of thing and ChildLine might help you think of options that don’t leave you feeling as if there is absolutely nothing you can do.
Bullying and other stresses can make people feel very alone and very powerless. It’s clear you feel this intensely, to the point where you’ve attempted suicide and still think about it. This concerns me a great deal because they seem like overwhelming feelings.
You matter to us and your well being and safety matters to us, so I’m glad you were able to send me a letter. It would be great if you could take just one more step and contact us – either online or by phone – to tell us more. You could have a conversation with one of our counsellors and, hopefully, feel supported and understood. Also, you should know that what you tell ChildLine is confidential, meaning we don’t tell anyone what you tell us unless you or someone you know is in immediate danger. Perhaps you could explore the ChildLine website and look at our Message Boards too?
You end your letter by saying "please help me". Just know that I and every Childline counsellor want to do our best to help you.
Take care
Sam