Alex's Answer
My mental health is getting worse
Your Question
I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to die (too much anyways), but I don’t want to be here anymore. My mental health has been getting worse. I don’t know how to tell my parents or my friends that I need help. What should I do?
Answer
Hi ya, welcome to Ask Alex,
Thank you for getting in touch with us today
We are here to help and support you. It sounds like you are going through a really tough time right now, but you are so brave to reach out and contact us to tell us how you are feeling.
You may find it too difficult to speak to anyone now, and that’s ok. Talking to your parents about your mental health can be tricky. By doing a little planning ahead, you can make the conversation a lot easier. Consider putting what you want to say in writing, if you’re feeling nervous about having a conversation with your parents; maybe write them a letter, email or text to start the discussion. Let your parents know how they can help you; your parents may not know how to help. Have a think about ways they can support you (e.g., by booking a GP appointment or checking in regularly with you about how you’re feeling). You could also let them know what isn’t helpful (e.g., asking how you are too often).
Remember, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Telling someone how you feel can be a big relief! If you don’t feel like you can talk to your parents, speak to someone else you trust, maybe another family member or a teacher or doctor.
If you have intense or frequent thoughts of dying, or if you have specific plans for suicide, it’s time to get help, it is very important to speak to someone as soon as possible, as you are not alone and there is support out there for you.
If you need immediate help, you can contact the Gardaí at 999 or 112; both these numbers are freephone numbers.
You can also contact Pieta House (www.pieta.ie/) who offer a free crisis helpline for people with suicide ideation and self-harm on 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444. There is also the Samaritans (www.samaritans.org/ireland/
Have you been able to speak to an adult you trust about how you are feeling? They would be able to help you get the right support. Your GP also would be aware of local supports and be able to link you in with those too.
If you feel like you can’t talk to someone you know, you can always call the Childline Team at 1800 66 66 66 or reach out through Live Chat at www.Childline.ie. Our services are non-judgmental and confidential. You are never alone, and there are people available to listen and explore your options with you so please reach out to us when you need help and support. We are open 24-hours a day, every day!
Take care of yourself , and please reach out for support soon,
Alex