Emily Nicole's story

"When I was younger, I felt like an outcast. All I had for a point of reference of ‘normality’ in real life were my family and friends. So, I wasn’t normal was I? They could all walk and I bet they didn’t cry at the wall every morning putting their socks on.

"My Cerebral Palsy meant that I often felt on my own, inside of my own head. My parents were always a great support system and they still are!! But, that didn’t stop me desperately wanting to know if I’d ever figure things out alone. If I’d ever drive a car, get a job, and like myself enough to start enjoying my life.

"When I was around ten, YouTube burst on the scenes. While all my mates were watching prank videos, I was too busy looking for people like me.

"Someone else in a wheelchair or who had CP, someone who was trying to navigate life learning to accept themselves.

"Just anyone to tell me, show me I wasn’t alone.

"When I was old enough, I decided to make the content myself, becoming that positive influence which my younger self needed. I filmed myself driving, working and enjoying life. Trying to make people laugh, smile and feel represented by my disability, struggles or successes - whichever reassures them that we are all the same.

"Growing up online was a mixture of experiences and emotions for me. First and foremost, I’d make sure to limit my screen-time, seeing my friends' faces more than their online avatars. Sometimes I got lost in what I wanted to be, forgetting I was already great!

"I kept my profiles and personal information private. After all, if I didn’t know the person and didn’t want them knowing me, just as I wouldn’t be comfortable with them following my updates in real life, I wouldn’t give them access to my online space, either."

"If I ever saw anything graphic that upset me I’d report it. If I ever noticed anyone I knew, talking about sensitive topics like self harm or suicide, I would check in on them before sharing links to organisations just like Samaritans to support them.

"There are people both in the real world and virtually who are there to help you if things ever get a little heavy.

"You are never alone. You are normal.

"Samaritans are an amazing organisation who are always there to support you. With their helplines, online chats or email service, they can advise, reassure and just listen to anything you want to share. They are confidential, impartial and they care. Reading about other people going through similar experiences to myself, would’ve stopped my feelings of isolation and alienation at a young age. The blogs, articles and ability to talk to others are all online.

"There are people going through the exact same things that you are, it’s juuust hard to imagine it if you can’t see it. Just like I thought being in a wheelchair made me abnormal because I was the only person I knew who couldn’t walk… Going online I realised there were thousands of people like me. Sharing experiences and having a voice, I felt normal after all."

"Speaking up about my mental health and embracing ALL of my feelings while I learned (and am still learning) to accept myself, sometimes meant that I would encounter and even create triggering content.

"Trigger warnings on posts were vital to keeping myself and others safe. I also made sure to block certain keywords online and always knew where to find support if I got overwhelmed.

"Sharing your experiences and vulnerabilities online is incredibly brave but may also take a toll on you. Look after ‘you’ however works best.

"Making your online experience safe and as fulfilling as possible doesn’t have a ‘one size fits all’ formula. The internet is yours to use as you choose.

"You could be like me, at my happiest when I make others happy too, or you could just love watching cat videos.

"Guess what?

"There’s no difference

"As long as you actively make yourself feel safe and create a positive space for you and others, whatever that may look like, you are doing great!!!

"Oh! One last thing…

"You are amazing online and offline, too."