Ask Sam letter

Hi A,

Thanks for writing to me, I can hear how writing your fantasy book has caused you problems with bullying and how much this has affected you.

You haven’t said in your letter how long the bullying has been going on for and I’m concerned about how much you’re being bullied - so you feel really suicidal. I want you to know that bullying is wrong and you have a right to ask for support to help make it stop. You haven’t said where the bullying is happening or if you’ve tried to get any support for it. I want you to know that you do not have to deal with it alone. I’m wondering if you have an adult you feel able to trust and talk to about this, either where the bullying is happening or within your family. Also talking it through with one of the ChildLine counsellors will provide you with some support and help to work out what you might be able to do to try to stop the bullying.

I’m concerned that this bullying is making you feel suicidal and wanting to end your life. It sounds like you might see this as your only way to escape at the moment. I understand you having these thoughts but don’t believe that suicide is ever a good option, as what you want to escape from is temporary, with the right support it is possible to improve this situation. You have taken a brave and important first step by writing this letter. 

It could also really help to talk to a counsellor at ChildLine when you’re having these suicidal thoughts, they can help you to work through that moment and help you to see that you have other options available to you and give you a safe and private space to talk about how you are feeling.

You can talk to someone at ChildLine by calling on 0800 1111 (calls are free from landlines and mobiles), by taking up an online 1-2-1 chat through our website or you can send an email which a counsellor will reply to but it can take up to 24 hours to get a reply.

I hope you will feel able to get some support for yourself to help you through this very difficult time.

Take care,

Sam