Pat's Answer

Hello, you are very welcome to Ask Pat,  

Thank you so much for trusting us with your thoughts. We know it can be difficult, but we also know how great it is for young people to share their problems. Talking about and sharing what is going on for you is a big step forward. 

You are saying you are 12 and feeling suicidal, and most of the time you are not comfortable chatting to your parents about how you are feeling. You are asking what should you do? 

We are sorry to hear how you are feeling, you are so brave reaching out to Ask Pat, well done. We would be concerned to hear that you want to kill yourself. If you are thinking of acting out on your thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek medical help immediately! Please contact your local GP, or phone 999 or 112 for the emergency services, or present yourselves to an A&E department. 

You have a right to get help and support for how you are feeling right now. You have the right to feel safe and live a happy life, and not be hurt in any way. You mentioned that you do not always feel comfortable talking to your parents. That is understandable. Sometimes it can be difficult to open up to those close to us and tell them what is going on. But talking really does help. Do you have another trusted adult or person in your life who you feel comfortable talking to? This adult can be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, teacher, or a school counsellor. You have the right to be listened to, to be heard, and to be supported. It is important for your physical and mental well-being that you get the help and support that you deserve. What do you think about calling us here in Childline for a chat? You have the right to talk about your feelings and why you want to end your life with somebody who can support you. 

Here are organisations that might be helpful to you: www.pieta.ie;  www.jigsaw.ie;  www.yourmentalhealth.ie. You may like to look at their websites, as they may help you understand what is going on for you and they may offer you a direction in how to avail of other supports. The Childline website also has some articles which you may find helpful, www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/. It is important for your own mental wellbeing that you get the help and support that you deserve, as well as talking about what is making you want to die. 

If you feel that you cannot talk to anyone around you just now, the Childline Team would really love to hear from you. You are welcome to talk to Childline by phone on 1800 666 666, by text at 50101 or through our web chat at www.childline.ie. Childline is here for you 24 hours a day, every day. Our services are free, confidential, and non-judgemental. We will support you and help you look at what options are available to you.  

Thank you for reaching out to us. We hope these supports will be of help to you. Remember, you do not have to go through this alone. Childline is here for you, whenever you would like to talk or chat.    

Take care of yourself, and please get in touch with us soon,  

Pat