Whether it’s big or small, feeling like you’re facing something on your own can be really hard. Did you know that Kids Help Phone features people across Canada (and the globe!) on our website to share a variety of perspectives and experiences? Our collection of real-life stories is always available to inspire and remind you that there are people out there who have similar lived experiences.
When we’re dealing with something difficult, it can feel like there’s no one else in the world who thinks / feels the same as we do. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Seriously. Everyone from coast to coast to coast finds strength and has struggles from time to time. It’s OK to have these thoughts and feelings (video from AboutKidsHealth), and we want to let you know that your well-being matters and support is available.
Sometimes, learning about someone else’s story (video series from CBC Kids News) can help us feel less isolated. Here, we’ve rounded up our first-person stories, profiles, interviews, personal tips and more for you to read.
Choose an image to start exploring our real-life stories from:
Emotional truths from my own experiences growing up Black
Tanya Turton on healing through art and community
Judy & Cruz Anderson on art, family & spiritual well-being
Youth stories: Indigenous kids on the power of photography
Reina’s story on intergenerational trauma & spirituality
12 ways to participate in reconciliation
Do you feel like you want to have a confidential conversation with a real person right now?
Check out our e-mental health services to get support with anything on your mind.
Youth story: My personal inspiration for coming out
Youth story: My positive message to others about coming out
Stephen’s story on coming out
Youth story: How I cope with my anxiety disorder
Youth story: Peer pressure & my combat against conformity
Youth story: Bullying, masculinity and cultural perceptions
Youth story: One year of cannabis legalization in Alberta
Youth story: On barriers to seeking mental health resources
Youth story: On cultural perceptions of mental health
Youth story: Coming to terms with myself
Post-secondary school: How to stay focused
How to cope with social distancing during COVID-19
Counsellor Q&A: What it’s like to be a newcomer
How Kids Help Phone counsellors practice self-care
Counsellor tips: What to expect at your first Pride
Sarah’s story on discrimination as a Muslim young person
Texting for support? Read this Q&A with a Crisis Responder.
Cohen’s story on fitting in
Omar’s story on school and friendship
Aidan’s story on depression
Ali’s story on coming to Canada
Ramsey’s story on relationships
You can keep reading for additional real-life stories and inspirational quotes about self-care, bullying and more below!
35 self-care tips from people like you!
Letters of support from kids like you during COVID-19
Singer Shawnee identifies as two-spirit. This is her story.
Alicia Raimundo: How I cope with change during COVID-19
Journey to hope: Alicia Raimundo’s story
Words of wisdom: Positive quotes for your daily life
30 inspirational quotes to help uplift you
Top nutrition tips from Canada’s star NHL players
NHL players on how to stay positive in your daily life
Patrice Bergeron on the importance of reaching out
NHL players on dealing with expectations
NBA player Jerome Williams on handling rejection
3 tips for finding balance from top NHL players
On being a newcomer: An interview with Dikembe Mutombo
NHL players’ top tips for following your passion
What are personal pronouns, and why are they important?
What is a sexual health clinic?
We hope these real-life stories remind you that you’re never alone and that everyone has successes and struggles in their lives. Reading about others’ experiences and talking a situation out with someone you trust can help.
You can connect with Kids Help Phone’s counsellors and crisis responders 24/7 for support. You can also visit Kids Help Phone Insights to see what other young people are reaching out to us about!
