Alissa, 13, VIC

I couldnt fit in, no matter how hard i tried.

It started when i was in prep. A girl, decided she hated me, because my hair was red, and she said it was evil. It was petty, but for a 5 year old, it hurt. when i was in year 1, she became friends with Katie*, and they were inseperable. when the girl moved to Canada, in year 3, she left a mission for Katie, make my life a misery. I tried everything to fit in with Katie, i tried to lose weight, changed what i wore, and changed who i hung out with. But she ignored me, and when she noticed me she would look at me like i was dirt.

Then, in year the girl moved back to Australia, and was my friend. But there was no stopping Katie. Then, others began being mean to me in year 5. A boy, John*, began bullying me. He told me to lose weight, that i was fat, and that i wasnt welcome there. I told no one. when things got worse, i started self-harming myself. I was getting dizzy spells, developed imsomnia, and stopped eating. The imsomnia was because when i slept, i had nightmares, and wouldnt wake up without help. I was officialy diagnosed with anxiety and imsomnia, and was made to see the school counsellor.

I began to get better. I stopped self-harming, and was put on medication. I became friends with a girl called Jane*, and she was excentric and every thing I needed. She was crazy, and helped me stand up for myself. I am on my way to full recovery. My bullies have now moved schools, and Jane has introduced me to Rose. Rose battled depression and self esteem issues, due to being sexually objectified by boys at her old school. Rose is now my best friend, and all of us, me, Rose and Jane, protect each other from everything and anything.

Rose moved in with me when her mother died and her stepfather started sexually abusing her. My parents are now in the process of adopting her, and her father hasnt been seen since he left her family in the dead of the night. Her older brother visits her every month, and she goes and stays with him with their extended family every Christmas. My life is now close to perfection. I am finally happy. As a side note, my hair darkend when i cut it short, so it is now almost black.