Ask Sam letter

Hi there,

You’ve done the right thing reporting your experience of being followed to the police. However, it sounds like it’s really affected you and along with your depression your life has been really limited by what’s happened. It’s really important to have support after such a frightening experience. It sounds like this hasn’t been offered and like it’s also difficult for you to ask for it.

I’m concerned you’re feeling you can’t handle this anymore and you’re scared you might hurt yourself. I want you to know that you don’t ever have to be alone. You can talk to one of the counsellors at ChildLine by phoning us, sending an email or having an online 1-2-1 chat whenever you need to. Our counsellors can also help you stay safe if you contact them when you feel that you might hurt yourself. You might find our advice about self-harm useful and we also have a self-harm message board where young people support each other.

I can hear how much you’d like your parents to ask if you’re okay. I understand it might be difficult but it sounds like you might need to let them know you’re not okay. If it’s difficult to tell them in person maybe you could write them a letter to let them know. You could get help from one of the ChildLine counsellors with figuring out which way would be best for you to approach your parents and what you might like to say.

You’ve been really brave writing to me about all of this and I hope this is the first step for you in getting some support for yourself.

Take care,
Sam