Alex's Answer

You say that you’re thinking about suicide and running away. It sounds like things might be tough for you at the moment, would that be right?  

You are not alone in how you are feeling, many of us can feel down at various points in our lives.  While it may be okay to have thoughts around how your life might be different, we would be worried to hear you are having thoughts of suicide and running away. What is life like for you right now?  

You are very brave to reach out with your question, as it’s not always easy to talk about what’s going on in our minds. Have you spoken to the people you are living with about your thoughts of wanting to run away? Are you worried about something at home? Please know that if you are ever feeling unsafe at home (or anywhere else), you can contact the Gardaí free on 999 or 112. It is their job to make sure every young person is safe. 

You have the right to help and support with how you’re feeling right now and it’s important to know that you do not have to go through things on your own. Is there anyone in your life that you feel you can talk to? It could be a friend, a family member or a friend’s parent. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone in your own life and you wanted to speak to someone in confidence, Childline is here 24/7 on 1800 66 66 66. If you’d rather not speak over the phone, we also have our chat service www.childline.ie/  where there is always someone to listen to you and speak with you about your thoughts and feelings. 

There are also some articles on the Childline website that you may like to look at www.childline.ie/suicide/ and www.childline.ie/why-its-best-to-talk-to-someone-if-you-have-suicidal-thoughts/  Pieta House is another support service that deals with anyone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide. The website is here:  www.pieta.ie/contact/ if you want to have a look at it, and their phone number is 1800 247 247. 

Thanks again for contacting us here today, you have shown great courage and honesty by getting in touch. Remember, you are not alone, we at Childline are always here for you, to listen and chat with you about what’s going on in your life. Calls and webchats are free, the service is confidential and non-judgemental.  

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

Alex