Tony's stash of textual information

“If you don't do what I want you to, I'll kill myself.”

My mother said that to me when I was ten years old or younger. Yes, my mother.

I didn't know what to do. I didn't even think to call the police. My siblings – a younger brother and a younger sister – were there as well.

“Well? Do you want me to jump down from nine storeys high, or not? Shall I do it now?”

My brother and I refused to give in. But my sister rushed to Mummy and said, sobbing: “I love you, Mummy, please don't jump.”

Fast forward to my fifteen-year-old self: I achieved the top rank at school, in academic performance within my cohort.

At twenty-three years old: I felt unwell (mentally or otherwise). My university class-mates started avoiding me.

Now, at thirty years old: Looking back, it was hardly surprising that I suffered a break-down. I had to attend to my wounds – emotional or otherwise – from my childhood. All those years, I had been avoiding it, pretending everything was fine.

Now I feel much better, thanks to a Biblical God. And I wish – and practise – kindness towards my mother, because that's what my god wants.

If you're suffering similarly right now, I hope my message encourages you.