Pat's Answer

Hello, welcome to Ask Pat. 

It sounds like you have a lot going on just now. You are very brave to open up to us and tell us how you are feeling, as you want to know how to not feel depressed.  

We would be concerned to hear you are feeling depressed, however, trying to find ways in how not to feel this way is a positive step.

You have a right to be happy. You have the right to seek help and support, to be listen to in what you would like to share about your thoughts and feelings. You have a right to seek professional help if this is what you need, like talking to your doctor or to reach out to a counsellor. Have you thought about explaining how you are feeling to your family, a trusted adult, or another person you feel comfortable talking to in your life? This could be an aunt, uncle, teacher, or school counsellor. You do not have to go through this alone.

There are organisations that might be of help to you such as:  www.jigsaw.ie; www.yourmentalhealth.ie; www.spunout.ie. You may like to look at these websites and they may help you understand what is going on for you or can offer you a direction in how to avail of other supports.  The Childline website has some information which you may also find helpful www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/. 

You are very welcome to talk to us at Childline too. Childline is here for you and we are available 24 hours day, 7 days a week. Childline never closes. Our services are free and confidential, and you can get in touch with us by phone on 1800 66 66 66, by text at 50101 or by web chat through  www.childline.ie. Childline is here for you whenever you feel ready to get in touch, through whichever service you feel most comfortable using. We can help you explore what options are available to you. You may choose not to talk about your depression, but chat about something else first. And that is ok. Childline is your space to talk about whatever you choose.

We hope some of the above is helpful to you. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Take care,

Pat