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Home / Entertainment

Stranger Things' Shannon Purser has opened up about her struggle with self harm

NZ Herald
8 Nov, 2016 07:45 PM3 mins to read

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Shannon Purser has opened up about self harming on Twitter. Photo / Instagram
Shannon Purser has opened up about self harming on Twitter. Photo / Instagram

Shannon Purser has opened up about self harming on Twitter. Photo / Instagram

Shannon Purser has become an internet sensation after playing Barb in Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, but the star has revealed a darker time in her life.

Taking to Twitter, Purser opened up to her followers about how she used to self harm, in an effort to encourage others to keep fighting.

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She posted the below photo of a razor blade with the caption: "Trigger warning: I haven't self-harmed in years, but I kept this around, 'just in case'. I forgot it was there and now it's in the trash."

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She went on to add: "Recovery is possible. Please don't give up on yourself."

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the 19-year-old said she shared the picture in order to help.

"I'm so happy to be able to help other people by talking about my struggles. I guess I'd just say, 'You're worthy of love, valuable, and beautiful. You can and will get through this,'" she said.

"Getting the help you need to deal with this is a form of self-love and you are worth it."

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Purser has also previously revealed something else about herself on Instagram - that much like many of her Stranger Things castmates, she's a singer and a musician.

She's posted videos of herself singing and playing piano to the social media site, and she's not bad at all.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline:

0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

Discover more

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• Suicide Crisis Helpline:

0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youthline:

0800 376 633

• Kidsline:

0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

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• Whatsup:

0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• Depression helpline:

0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth:

(09) 376 4155

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• Samaritans

0800 726 666

• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

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