This might be the most important page in the book, because none of it matters if you never open your mouth. So here are the exact words. You can borrow them.
When you don’t know how to start:
▸ “Something happened that scared me.”
▸ “I need to talk to someone about something at home.”
▸ “I’m in a relationship that doesn’t feel safe.”
▸ “I’m having thoughts that scare me, and I need help.”
That first sentence is the hardest part. Everything after it gets easier.
Your voice might shake. That’s okay—shaking means your body knows this is brave. If you start to cry, let yourself. The tears are making room for the words.
And if the first person doesn’t help? Tell a second. Then a third. Call a hotline—the people there are trained to believe you. Keep talking until someone listens.