Ian (18) and Luke (17) kept to themselves most of the time but the Invent Youth Arts Project in Ballymun has helped them come out of their shells. And music has been the key. 

While Emma was studying for the Leaving Certificate she became very depressed and felt like she lost a sense of herself. She lives with her depression now, has good and bad months but has found a way to cope through running.

Cathal kept quiet about being gay. He only came out when he was in university and felt comfortable with being public. It was such a relief, he says, like being able to breathe, when he came out.

Three teenage girls who believe there is so much pressure on young girls to look a certain way. As friends they go to drama class once a week where they can release everything and be themselves.

Tim says one of the big stresses for teenagers is the fear of not having their lives all mapped out. He says the Robert Frost poem 'The Road Not Taken' made him realise there is a lot to be said for not having a map and finding your own way in life.

Lucianne developed bulimia when she was in her mid teens at school. It dominated her life for the next 10 years but she has now found her way out and wants to let others know it is worth the battle to get well. 'You have to want to get better' she says 'but when you do life is so much nicer'.

Frank, (18), is from Waterford City. He hit a patch in his mid teens when he was just down and always angry. The youth café Squashy Couch helped him find his way and a big break-through for him was joining the Red Cross.

Not happy with how bullying was being tackled in their school, transition year students in Ennis set up SOB (Stamp Out Bullying) and transformed their school. Olwyn, Karen and Aisling took their campaign to the toilets creating a new awareness among students. For information on support organisations check out the website.

Akeem, (17) originally from Nigeria, came to Ireland when he was thirteen and says it was like a second chance at life. But life here has also brought the pain of racism and rejection because of his skin colour. Akeem now wants to be doctor - because he says - he wants to 'put a smile on someone's face'.

Daire (18), through the Invent arts youth project in Ballymun, was encouraged to write and perform her own poetry. She says that everyone has a voice and should not be afraid to use it. She shares her poem 'Not Good Enough' and how it helped get her feelings out.