Mandy says she's always felt different to others and like she didn't quite fit in. Mandy's been self-harming since a young age, and later on experienced depression and been hearing voices. She stayed in a psychiatric unit for a while where she made two very close friends. For Mandy, time, getting involved in her care and going forwards in small steps helped the most. (White British).

Sian is 18 and living independently in supported housing. At a young age, she developed an eating disorder and has also experienced depression and self-harming. Sian was put in care where she lived for a few years. During a stay in a psychiatric unit Sian met two girls who've become very close friends since. Sian says getting better is a long process where you have to want to be helped. (White British).

Francesca started experiencing depression when she was about 10 ' she was badly bullied in school and a young carer. Francesca starting doing solvents and other forms of self-harm and has also been suicidal. She's also been hearing negative voices. When she stayed in a psychiatric unit, she met 2 girls who've been really close friends since. Francesca says she can't understand people who criticise those who have mental health problems. (White British).