I still don’t know whether I had – or have – depression. But it was only by coming to terms with my feelings that I avoided sliding into an even darker place, says Guardian sports features editor Sachin Nakrani
The very idea seemed inconceivable. And the first two times, using good behaviour and magical thinking, we stopped it, says the playwright Isabel Wright
That incredible little fish, and some guidance from a truly inspirational conservationist, sent my life in the right direction, says the marine conservation officer Fiona Gell
At first, I was desperate to regain control. But when my body didn’t let me, I learned to let go – and put myself at the centre of my life, writes Joanna Clarke-Jones
Brought up believing in romantic exclusivity, relationships caused me crippling jealousy. Then my husband and I embraced polyamory, writes Stephanie Munro, a freelance writer working for hlcarpenter.com’s online community team
A boozy chat with a friend inspired me to sign up with Commoners Choir, which combines political activism with singing – and hope, writes teacher Allan Clifford
I always thought I was mixed race until someone at school called me black. That started me thinking about racial identity, writes journalist Micha Frazer-Carroll
The discovery that my real grandparents died in the Holocaust helped me understand my father and made me determined to help others, says artist and writer Namalee Bolle
I stood by while students mocked my visibly sick mother in Brighton. My cowardice made me realise how much I love her, says A-level student Carina Stephens
At 18 I was denying my sexuality, even to myself. But that night I peeked into another universe, where girls liked girls and showed it – and where I felt at home
The signs were all there – our random family lifestyle, his constant absences. Then, rooting though his drawers when he was away, I found a false passport
A moment that changed me: when deep sadness drove me to counselling