To wonder what you would tell your teenage self?

[user1473509591]

This thread has probably been done before but I'm just curious. Was listening to an old play list that I used to live at 15 and it's amazing how angsty I used to be (Papa Roach - Last Resort used to be like the soundtrack of my life). Ide tell myself that it'll be okay. Mental health will always be a part of my life, but I'll learn to cope with it better. Don't move out, go to uni.

Work harder and stop running away from your problems, you're not a teenager forwever.

I feel like this is my lived experience now. Dd is 13 and going through so many of the challenges I remember, and it's so hard to know how to help

Start a social media company in 1999. Childbirth isn't the nightmare you think it is.

That boy is trouble, go to the Dr you don't deserve to feel the way you do, I promise it will get so much better....it's just going to get worse first.

"See that bloke over there? Don't go anywhere near him."

I followed that advice.

Just married him 10 years later instead

Go and get a job for a bit after GCSEs to help decide what you want to do before doing a levels and also to make you appreciate further education rather than wasting two years skiving lessons, partying and going out with an emotionally abusive dickhead

Trust your instincts with men.

When it comes to choosing a partner, look for the same qualities you look for in friends. Kindness is the thing.

It will all be OK, you will be happy.

Look after your teeth (a la Pam Ayres!)

Believe in yourself - you really CAN achieve anything you want to.

Its normal for teenagers to hate their parents, just put up with it till you can escape to university. Do not, under any circumstances, think that marriage is an acceptable substitute.

Sometimes your parents really DO know best. (Took me 5 years to realise they were right when they said I was too good for the stupid, selfish idiot I married.)

Go travelling more!

oh, and make sure you save for a decent pension!

Buy your own house in the town you want to live in because he won't ever move away from his Mum

Get the hell away from that sorry excuse for a man. If he loved you he wouldn't abuse you the way he does. Listen to your mother, she loves you and is only looking out for you.

I'd say spend as much time as possible with your nan- she died when I was 19 and I miss her every day. Work hard at school and follow your dream. Don't spend lots of money and invest it in a house while it's cheap to buy one (to older teenage self). Don't worry about what other people think of you especially how skinny you are as you will spend your 20's and 30's wishing you were slimmer! Be proud of yourself. And don't be such a grouch-it's not cool! And lastly stop chasing round after the older bloke who clearly thinks you're a bit pathetic!

Those two aren't your friends. Ditch them. Kat in the year below that you hardly speak to? Way better person. Don't wait another year to make friends with her.

Those boys that bully you? Hit them back. Hit them hard and keep fucking hitting them until they stay down because that is the only way they will stop.

You aren't worthless and disgusting. College will be better and you will make real friends. You will never see most of these people again so who cares what they they think.

When a grown man talks to a schoolgirl, it's odd. Stay away.

Focus on what you want to do - you have talent and you're smart. Don't waste time mooning over boys!

Look after your teeth. They're the only set you have. And look after your body in general.

Stop looking for approval in others and find it in yourself. But I've only just learnt that in the past year, so I guess it's a long lesson.

Not teenage unfortunately younger. Tell that sexually abusing bastard to fuck off sooner and tell your parents.

Stop worrying, you are really pretty, enjoy it, don't be afraid to go after the guy you fancy, because honestly you probably stand a chance. Oh and leave home, don't spend 8 years waits for the commitment phobe to move in, he won't. Get on the fucking property ladder now!!

Your arse isn't huge, you're pretty, stop for Christ sakes with the self hate.

Do more, ignore mum, enjoy these years and stop wishing them away.

Don't be embarrassed by your parents.

They are actually sparky, creative and funny, and you will wish you had been comfortable enough in your own skin to appreciate and embrace their quirkiness and joie de vivre, instead of cringing at it.

I know it's hard to believe, but you really, really will.

I'd tell her to speak up.
Talk a bit louder
Be a bit prouder.
Tell her she's beautiful wonderful everything she doesn't see.

Learn about money, and how to keep to a budget. Drink less & don't start smoking. Be nicer to your parents, they love you and would do anything for you and they are looking out for you, not trying to ruin your social life. Make an effort to pass maths the first time or you'll spend years retaking the fucker.