Pat's Answer

Hi there. Thank you for reaching out to Ask Pat to share what is going on with you in your life. 

You say you are very unhappy at home and you want to leave. You are feeling put out and you do not love your parents anymore. You are asking us what to do about leaving home before something bad happens.  

We are very sorry to hear you are feeling unhappy at home and that you want to leave. We are really concerned to hear you think something bad might happen to you. You have a right to feel safe and be happy. You have the right not to be hurt. No one, not even your parents have the right to hurt you, physically, mentally, emotionally, or sexually. Your parents have a responsibility to look after you, to care for you and to listen to you. It is important that you know that you have the right to get help if you ever feel that you are not safe at home. You can call emergency services at 999 or 112. 

Have you spoken to your parents or another adult you trust about how you are feeling? This adult could be a grandparent, friend, teacher, school counsellor. We understand it can be difficult or awkward to talk with someone we know about what is going on for us at home. Sometimes it might be easier to talk to somebody that we do not know. Are you aware you also have the right to seek professional help and support, to share your thoughts and feelings with a doctor, or to reach out to talk to a counsellor. There are people whose job it is to make sure that everyone under the age of 18 are safe in their homes. 

Some websites that you might find helpful are www.spunout.ie (if you are over the age of 16 years) and www.jigsaw.ie. The Childline website has some articles too which you may like to look at www.childline.ie/home-and-families/; www.childline.ie/what-is-abuse/. It is important that you get the help and support you deserve for your mental wellbeing. 

You do not have to go through this tough time on your own, the Childline Team are here for you. If you feel like talking about what is going on at home, or just wanting to have a chat, Childline is here to listen to you. There are several ways for you to get in touch with us, by phone on 1800 66 66 66, by text to 50101 or through our one-to-one web chat on www.childline.ie. Childline services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and they are free and confidential. We can explore what options are available to you. 

You are so courageous, thank you for sharing what is going on for you with us. We are here to listen, and we would love to talk to you more real soon. Please get in touch. 

Take care of yourself, 

Pat