A TEENAGE singer who bravely battled bulimia and depression hopes her music can inspire and give encouragement to others who are suffering.

 

Jess Barlow has released single Someone Else's War on iTunes and hopes to pursue a successful career in the music industry.

The former St James' CE High School pupil was bullied as a youngster and developed bulimia about two years ago before seeking help from a charity in Sheffield.

The 19-year-old from Farnworth said: "The aim of my music is to spread a message of hope and encouragement to people who are struggling with similar issues to what I have been through.

"I have battled with bulimia, self harm, depression and an attempted suicide in the past, and have been in recovery for the past 12 months through City Hearts.

"I managed to turn my life around when it seemed almost impossible and I want to show people that recovery is possible.

"I also want to raise awareness of mental health issues and fight to kill the stigma surrounding it.

"Many people will not ask for help in fear of being judged and I want to show them, through my songs, that help is out there and you can get better.

"I am so passionate about helping and encouraging girls to turn their life around."

Miss Barlow was studying at university in Liverpool but moved to Sheffield 12 months ago to live in the charity's residential house where she still receives support.

She said: "My weight was quite low but I wasn't underweight because I had bulimia, not anorexia, and I was binge eating.

"I was at university studying mental health nursing and they just said you can't carry on the course because you can't help anyone until you can help yourself.

"I decided to get help. I'm healthy now. I don't make myself sick anymore.

"I'm a lot better. My music is all about trying to help other people.

"Whenever I have a bad day, I just think about all the people I want to help through music and that gets me through the bad days."

To make her dream a reality, Miss Barlow is raising money through Rocket Fuel, a crowd-funding website which allows fans to donate money to kick-start artists' careers in exchange for rewards.

Miss Barlow, who has performed at the O2 Academy Sheffield and Manor Farm Music Festival near Southport, is appealing for funding to pay for music industry mentoring from experts.

Visit rocketfuelhq.com/jessbarlow