[Rivière]

I was 20 years old when I first came to this site. It's crazy to think I've been here 10 years. I know others have been here for perhaps even twice that much.

I remember going through issues with a boyfriend and I just felt really miserable. He was terribly suffocating and I was planning to split with him but I didn't know how. I also wanted to find a site for young people where I could apply my knowledge and experience of depression and suicide with other people. I started googling around and two sites looked really good. In the end I chose TeenHelp over the other because this one seemed more professional and supportive. I'm glad I stayed because this site has truly been extremely supportive. Sometimes I don't know how people have put up with my excessive amount of 'Why me?' threads.

Since being here I've held a few different staff positions, having been on staff shortly after I'd joined. After leaving in 2015, re-joining earlier this year definitely felt like the right thing to do, and at the right time. My personal issues have significantly improved. I'm doing far better emotionally, and I have a decent job (most of the time...). Being here for 10 years has lead me to see so many people come and go from the site, but so many who have also chosen to stay. This place has always felt like my 2nd home. I go here to unwind and just get things off my chest, and to gain the opinions and perspective on matters that are different from my own.

I can safely say that TeenHelp has always been a huge part of these past 10 years, and I hope there will be many more.

How about you? Why did you sign up to TeenHelp? Why have you chosen to stay?