This article was first published in May 2021.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. As we grow up, we learn from our mistakes, develop our personalities and discover who we are. If we were to write a letter of advice to our younger self, what would we tell them? What do we know now that we wish we knew then? What have we learned?
For this series of thought-provoking films, we asked eighteen young people to write a letter to their younger selves. This is Dear Younger Me.
Tiffany: Dear younger me.
Déan na rudaí is fear dúit ígcónaí. Do what's best for you, always. That is the best advice I can give to you because there will be many challenges you will face in the near future. In the next few months, something happens that will change your life forever.
You will sadly lose your mum. You will feel like your life has crumbled into pieces, but believe me, it gets better in time. This will be one of the most difficult things you will ever have to deal with, but she wouldn't want you to live life unhappy.
She would want you to make her proud. Remember that your mum is always with you in spirit. Your family are very important, treat them right. You may not realise it now, but you will need them close. Your granny will ring so many times a day; make time for her, she's lonely and just wants someone to talk to. Being an only child will be hard too. You and your dad will do everything together. Listen while I tell you, you will make it through the tough times. You're stronger than you think.
Better times are coming, you have so much to look forward to. So Tiffany remember, give yourself love before anyone else.
From future you.
You will feel like your life has crumbled into pieces, but believe me it will get better in time.
Tiffany's mum passed away when she was younger. In this Dear Younger Me, Tiffany advises her younger self to always do what's best for her. She tells herself that her mum wouldn't want her to live life unhappy and that she will make it through the tough time, as she is stronger than she thinks. She tells herself that her family are very important and, although she doesn't realise it, she will need them close to her. She reassures her younger self that better times are coming.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
Dear Younger Me: Samya
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Samya's letter.
Dear Younger Me: Alex
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Alex's letter.
Dear Younger Me: How letter-writing can help your mental health
Writing a letter to a younger version of you that went through a hard time can really help you - here's how.
