Ask Sam letter

Hi abc,

Thanks for getting in touch – you’re doing the right thing talking about how you feel.

I can hear how stressed you are at the moment with your parents putting you down and with your upcoming exams. You say that there is only so much a person can take and it is important for you to know that you do not have to go through this alone.

It’s wrong of your family to put you down and dishearten you – you are worth being listened to – your feelings are important – and you are also worth being trusted when you say you are doing something. It is wrong of them to laugh at you when you try to talk. Many people find it easier to talk to someone outside of their family, someone who is a bit more removed from their situation and who may not know much about it.

I can hear you feel pressure to be academic or to keep up with your brother - remember that you have things that you do well at and qualities that are unique to you. It could help to think about these at times when you feel disheartened. Sometimes when we feel down or low it can help to think about things that are positive and good in our lives and things that matter to us. There is advice about Confidence and self-esteem on the ChildLine website that could help with this.

If you ever want to talk to someone and know that you will be listened to, you can call ChildLine on 0800 1111, or talk to us by email or 1-2-1 chat.

I can hear you are trying your hardest and that you are revising for your end of year exams – we have advice and support about exams as well as stress. It may help to look at some of the things you can do to help with exam stress, particularly at the moment.

Take care,

Sam