Hi my name is Danielle I am 19 years old.

I lost my dad at age 15, and recently lost my mum about 6 months ago, and it has really affected my mental health, but I wanted to tell you how I have handled it and managed to cope.

What have you done over the years that has helped with your mental health?

I have tried loads of different things, and what works for one person might not work for another, but a couple of ways that helped me with my mental health are:

• Listening to music
• Meeting friends
• Coming out of my room
• Talking to a counselor
• Joining The Platform Project

What does the Platform Project do?

When I wanted to make new friends, I was referred into the Platform Project. The Platform Project runs a number of youth enterprise projects (like this youth magazine) which helps with making friends, building your confidence, and learning how to talk to people you don’t know that well. Also, you can talk about how you're feeling as well as learning new skill and do thing to put on your cv, all while doing something good for society.

How has the Platform Project helped me?

Being in the Platform Project has help me learn how to talk about how I’m feeling, and it helps with my confidence. It's good because it gives me the space to get on with other people, as well as learning that how I’m feeling is normal. The biggest thing I have learnt is that things do get easier (slowly!) and that I shouldn’t be so harsh on myself.

What advice do I have for other young people who might have lost someone close to them?

I would advise other young people suffering with mental health to inform their school and try and see a counselor, and try and get into to STEP and the Platform Project, Also take every day as it comes and don’t be so hard on yourself, as it really doesn’t help. And don’t worry if you have to take your exams again - you will get there in the end! Think of positive things and good memories and try your best on everything.