Pat's Answer

Hi there, 

You are very welcome to Ask Pat. 

From what I am hearing, you want to know what the signs of depression are, as you have been through a trauma recently and you don’t feel like trying any more. You also are concerned that you don’t want to come across as an attention seeker. 

You are being very brave in choosing to reach out and to get an understanding about how you are feeling and also that you are linking these feelings to a trauma that you have experienced. You have the right to get support if you are feeling depressed and because you are feeling that you do not want to try anymore.  Depression is a term used to describe different things to different people. It is generally linked with experiences, feelings, and emotions and these can change daily. The feelings and emotions that we have are important to us, they can help to guide and protect us. However sometimes we must take action to get a little more support to help us through a tough time. 

Talking to a trusted adult, family or friends can be a great.  Is there a trusted adult that you could talk to? Someone that you feel comfortable chatting with, perhaps a parent, a relative, a teacher or youth leader. You mentioned that you recently went through a trauma so sometimes we may have to engage in the services of professionals, like a doctor or a therapist. You have the right to get medical help and this may be the way to get a definite answer to your question about your concerns around having depression.  

Your mental health is very important to you and to us here at Childline too. It is important to take time out to relax or maybe exercise.   Are there activities that you enjoy doing, reading, playing sport or listening to music? Engaging with these activities can help us to feel better. There are also services that can help you. www.jigsaw.ie and www.yourmentalhealth.ie are two websites that you may like to look at, which could help you understand some more about how you are feeling.

Alternatively, you can look at the Childline website www.childline.ie. You will find information there about feelings www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/

If you wish to reach out further to chat with us, we can be contacted in a way that is comfortable for you. Our telephone number is 1800 66 66 66 and our text number is 50101. Web chat is available to you as well, through the Childline website. At Childline, your safety and privacy are important to us. We do not trace phone numbers or IP addresses. All the services are free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You are most welcome to get in touch knowing that you will be welcomed and will not be judged by anyone. 

You have been fantastic in sharing your story. Please remember that you have the right to get support for everything that you are going through. We hope that you will stay in contact with us.

Take care of yourself and be safe, 

Pat 

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