Sarah M • Belfast, Ireland • 27
I was very young when I got my first period. I was ten years old and it was terrifying. I didn't understand what was going on. We hadn't had the talk in school yet and I honestly thought I was dying. When I found out it was a period, I was completely beside myself. I was too young to become a woman yet!
My mum was really confused as she'd had hers at 14. She tried her best to reassure me that it was a good thing but it was pretty awful. I couldn't talk to my friends about it as I didn't know whether their Mamas had had the talk. I couldn't find pads that fit, it really hurt. It was just grim.
I'm so glad there's so much discussion around periods and pride around them. Period parties sound like the most amazing things. I wish I had got my period when I was ready, it really was such a shock and I only related it to negativity for a long time because of this.
