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You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
Hi there,
Its good to hear from you and I am glad youve got in touch.
I can hear how what happened has had a really big effect on you and left with many feelings of regret. When people are growing up they may do things that they later regret and feel that they have made mistakes, which can linger in our minds, sometimes causing us to ask questions about how things might have been if we had acted differently.
Making mistakes is a normal part of life. What is important is that we learn from what we did wrong and understand better the consequences of our actions. From what you said the consequence of not being able to go into your favourite store is something that is really on your mind.
I can hear how youve been left with some really strong feelings of guilt which were made worse by lying to mum. When people have strong feelings like this, it can be important and helpful to talk about them and get them off your chest. Many young people tell me that talking has helped them to understand their problems better and to be able to deal with them more easily,
You said that you have a friend that you can trust - what would it be like to talk to them about the feelings you have? Perhaps you could think about this as, quite often getting other peoples viewpoint can help us see things a bit more clearly.
In the explore section on the ChildLine website there is some information on coping with feelings of guilt or you could chat to other young people on the emotions message board.
A ChildLine counsellor is also someone you could talk over your feelings with. ChildLine counsellors dont judge and would be able to keep what youve said confidential.
You can get in touch with a ChildLine counsellor by calling free on 0800 1111 (the number won't appear on a phone bill, including mobiles), email or log on for a 1-2-1 chat (like instant messenger).
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.