Pat's Answer

Hello, welcome to Ask Pat. 

You’re asking is there any way to switch off your emotions, as you do not want to feel sad or depressed anymore. 

We are sorry to hear that you’re feeling sad and depressed. Thanks for reaching out to Ask Pat, you are very brave to take that step. Unfortunately, we cannot always help how we feel, but talking about how we are feeling can really help. 

We are concerned that you are feeling like this, because being a child, you have the right to be happy and to be heard which means that you have the right to talk to a trusted adult about what is going on for you. Is there a trusted adult in your life that you are comfortable talking to about how you are feeling? This person could be a parent, teacher, your doctor or any other relative that you trust, like an aunt or uncle. Maybe you would like to chat with someone that is not close to you? It is important that you get help to support you with your sadness. You do not have to go through this alone. You have the right to avail of support services that are there for you, at a time like this. 

There are organisations such as www.jigsaw.ie; www.yourmentalhealth.ie; www.spunout.ie that might be of help to you. You might 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 also has some information which could be useful 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. 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