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.
Dear, younger me.
I know things aren't going great right now but things will get a lot better for you.
School isn't great, you aren't fitting in, not getting along with teachers and you've stopped going to school all together. This is notthe way to handle this, not going into school is just going to cause more issues. Take a stand and tell your family that you want tomove to a different school, which is going to be better focused on what you want to study. This will be the turning point in your life.
You're going to reunite with old friends, find your place and become much happier. In school, you've been made fun of and called gay a lot, as if that is an insult. Don't worry about it now, figure it out later and when you're ready, because I can tell you, you'll end up in a happy relationship and things will work out in time and with the support of your friends.
I know you spend so much time on the computer, watching TV and listening to radio, sometimes a bit too much, but, spoiler alert…You can turn your favourite hobbies into your career path. Just stick to it and focus your interests, because after years of hard workand determination this is what you will end up doing. Don't get too caught up in social media, though. I know you love it now, but one day you'll realise it really doesn't matter when it comes to getting a job.
You're judged on your skills and qualifications, not how many likes your posts on Instagram received. And by the way lay off theInstagram filters and dodgy effects. It is not all doom and gloom, even though you think it is. Stay focused on your passions, stand up for what is right for yourself and you will get there in the end. From your happy future self.
You can turn your favourite hobbies into your career path… just stick to it and focus on your interests.
Alex felt like he didn't fit in at school when he was younger. In this Dear Younger Me, he reflects on his time at school and tells his younger self that moving to a new school will be a real turning point for him. Alex was made fun of in school because of his sexuality, but tells his younger self not to worry about it because he will end up in a happy relationship. He tells his younger self not to get too hung up on social media. He says will be judged by his skills and qualifications, not by how many likes he receives.
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: Qezz
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Qezz's letter.
Dear Younger Me: Kaden
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Kaden'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.
