Stranger Things' Shannon Purser has opened up about her struggle with self harm

Shannon Purser has opened up about self harming on Twitter. Photo / Instagram

Shannon Purser has become an internet sensation after playing Barb in Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, but the star has revealed a darker time in her life.

Taking to Twitter, Purser opened up to her followers about how she used to self harm, in an effort to encourage others to keep fighting.

She posted the below photo of a razor blade with the caption: "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 went on to add: "Recovery is possible. Please don't give up on yourself."

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the 19-year-old said she shared the picture in order to help.

"I'm so happy to be able to help other people by talking about my struggles. I guess I'd just say, 'You're worthy of love, valuable, and beautiful. You can and will get through this,'" she said.

"Getting the help you need to deal with this is a form of self-love and you are worth it."

Purser has also previously revealed something else about herself on Instagram - that much like many of her Stranger Things castmates, she's a singer and a musician.

She's posted videos of herself singing and playing piano to the social media site, and she's not bad at all.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline:

0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline:

0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youthline:

0800 376 633

• Kidsline:

0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

• Whatsup:

0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• Depression helpline:

0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth:

(09) 376 4155

• Samaritans

0800 726 666

• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.