Alex's Answer

Hi there, 

You’re very welcome to Ask Alex and thank you for getting in touch with us. 

It sounds like you are going through a really difficult time right now, and that you are in physical and emotional pain. You’re saying that your cuts sting, and your head aches, and that you want to die and be put out of your misery. We would be really worried to hear that you are feeling like this. 

It can be hard to know how to cope when we are dealing with something difficult, and it sounds like you have used self-harm as a way of releasing how you are feeling. Can we ask what thoughts are going on for you before you self-harm? It may be difficult to think about what is behind the feeling for you but knowing what is behind it may be able to help you find other ways to cope. Each person will have a different way of coping with overwhelming thoughts, and you will know best what works for you. This could be things like going for a walk, doing some breathing exercises, shout/cry or listening to music. 

Sometimes we can have feelings of misery or hopelessness, these can be brief thoughts, or they can remain and stay with us, becoming overwhelming and leaving us feeling like we don’t want to go on living. It sounds like these thoughts are staying with you right now. It is so important that at times like this to try and reach out to someone and get the help you need, and we know it can be a daunting thought to try and talk to someone when you’re feeling this way, but it is vital you get any help you need. Is there anyone in your own life that you trust and feel comfortable talking to? We know it might be really hard to talk to people we have in our own lives, so there are also support organisations out there who can help you. Pieta House are there 24/7 at 1800 247 247 any time of the day or night to talk, or text HELP to 51444. You have the right to live a happy and enjoyable life and to be safe, and to find ways of dealing with your thoughts and emotions that will let you do this. If you are thinking of acting on your thoughts of suicide, it is important to get medical help immediately, whether it’s your GP, calling 112 or going to your nearest A&E department. 

You have been so brave to get in contact with us today and let us know what life is like for you right now. Please know you can contact us here at Childline at any time of the day or night, on our chat at www.childline.ie or over the phone at 1800 66 66 66. 

Take care, 

Alex