DAFNI GIRLS
I initially used Annabel (or as I was back then, Andrea) as a means of escape. I suffer from severe depression but also have an eye condition called Nystagmus, and I was bullied throughout school for this condition. I found that by being a girl I could be different, and found a peace I had never had before. This all started in my bedroom (like the majority of us) and gave me an escape and the means to be someone else. It helped me to come to my senses and be able to continue to go to school. Even back then, depression was something that no one spoke of.
Things continued to develop and by the age of 20 I was dressing fully when I was lucky enough to meet someone who has continued to support me in the background to this day. That gave me the avenue for me to explore and understand Annabel, more especially when I didn’t know where else to go or what was out there for me to experience. It gave me a chance to have fun and explore, and the space and opportunity to be me free from judgement, without at that time having the opportunity to venture out,