‘Just in case’: Stranger Things’ ‘Barb’ is a self-harm survivor
You truly never know what is going on in another person’s life, and Stranger Things actress Shannon Purser has proven this in the most hard-hitting way.
The star, best known for playing the role of Barb on the hit Netflix show, has received an outpouring of support this week after revealing she is a survivor of self-harm.
The 20-year-old made the brave admission on Twitter, in a post featuring a photo of a razor blade.
“*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,” she wrote.
She went on to share an empowering message to her 63K-strong Twitter following, tweeting: “Recovery is possible. Please don’t give up on yourself.”
*TRIGGER WARNING* I haven't self-harmed in years, but I kept this around, "just in case." I forgot it was there & now it's in the trash. pic.twitter.com/C0oAQTL0IM
— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) November 7, 2016
Recovery is possible. Please don't give up on yourself.
— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) November 7, 2016
Shannon won hearts all over the world with her portrayal of Barb this year, and so it wasn’t surprising to see messages of love and support come flooding in.
While hundreds lauded her bravery and honesty, others admitted that they were ‘so proud’ of her.
“I’m so happy for you, and proud. It’s not easy. I’ll be one year clean next month. I don’t even know where my ‘just in case’ is,” tweeted one fan.
@shannonpurser as someone who used to also have a 'just in case' blade too, I'm glad to hear it was thrown out. #respect
— Bjorn Ironsides (@dgbottom) November 7, 2016
@shannonpurser I'm proud of u, Shannon, you have come do far and you deserve the wolrd
— eliza (@eleventrash) November 7, 2016
@shannonpurser Wow. Brave to share. A real issue many struggle with.
— Vinings Dux (@DukeOfVinings) November 7, 2016
Another added: “Good for you. Thanks for sharing your story with others.”
No doubt Shannon’s brave revelation will help many, many others around the world.
