Stories heal. Hearing Demi’s story through her songs was all it took to turn Abbie’s life around, and now she wants to do the same for other young people who might be struggling like she was…

Here Abbie tells her story:

Growing up I was bullied. I began to self harm and feel incredibly suicidal, it was something that I would think about every day, from what car I could jump in front to what building I could jump off. It sort of became a way of life for me. I didn’t realise then but I had depression, I just thought there was something wrong with me as no one was talking about this kind of thing so I felt completely alone. This happened right up to the age of 18.

One day in January 2014 I was sitting in the car with my mum, Skyscraper by Demi Lovato came on the radio, it was the first time I’d really listened to the words, I was choked up, there was so much depth in those lyrics that I’d never heard before.

Later that night I was feeling triggered, I was numb and needed to cry, remembering how Skyscraper had made me feel earlier I searched it on YouTube, I cried. The words were so powerful to me. At the side were suggestions, Demi Lovato’s Warrior. I listened to this wonderful song and I just broke down, how could someone I’d never met be able to sing all the words and feelings I’d ever wanted to be:

‘Now I’m a warrior

Now I’ve got thicker skin

I’m a warrior

I’m stronger than I’ve ever been

And my armour

Is made of steel you can’t get in

I’m a warrior

And you can never hurt me again’.

Another suggestion came up of Demi’s Believe In Me, I clicked it, once again she sang the most powerful lyrics but this time is was everything I was feeling right now, all those words I just couldn’t say:

‘I don’t wanna be afraid

I wanna wake up feeling beautiful

Today

And know that I’m okay

‘Cause everyone’s perfect in unusual ways

You see I

Just wanna believe in me’.

One more suggestion came up at the side, ‘Demi Lovato opens up about cutting’

My world was turned upside down by this video, how could this Disney princess silently go through so much? That night I realised that if Demi could go through all this and more in the limelight then I could too and come out better. That night I didn’t hurt myself.

Of course it hasn’t been an easy journey, I relapsed a few times. I met Demi in September 2014, she was sweet and hugged me tight.

I relapsed again in the October of that year, but I have not hurt myself since, I am proud to say I have been self harm free since October 17th 2014.

In January 2015 I posted a video of my story to that wonderful song that made so much difference; Warrior. Is has racked up around 50 thousand views and I am so proud.

Ever since then I have been making videos online on my Facebook page Abbie Foster’s StayStrong. Spreading the messages of recovery & positivity far and wide.

I also work with a few charities such as Fixers, Respect Yourself, The Missing Kind,  The Being Me Campaign & more. I am also working with the BBC radio and online to share my story.

Thanks to Demi and her story, I am able to make a difference & I am forever thankful to her for this and much more.

Without her opening up I wouldn’t be here and that I’m sure of.

I want to continue making a difference as much as I can, I want young people to know that their lives will get better & they will feel stronger. Just like I did.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Have a beautiful day 💕

Abbie 
Abbie Foster’s StayStrong

Well done Abbie for your dedication to help relieve suffering ❤

Follow Abbie on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AbbieFostersStayStrong/

and YouTube