Pat's Answer

Hello, you are very welcome to Ask Pat. 

Thank you so much for sharing what has been going on for you. It can be very difficult to do this, but we know how great it is for young people to talk about their problems. Talking about and sharing what is happening for you is a big step forward. 

You have asked if you should tell your parents that you are depressed. Your mental health is so important, and you have the right to receive medical help and access advice that will help you. Your parents could provide you with emotional support and/or accompany you to your local GP or help you get in touch with an organisation which specialises in assisting young people going through a tough time. However, we understand that it can be difficult to speak to those closest to us about how we are feeling. If you do not feel ready to reach out to your parents, is there another trusted adult like a coach, teacher, grandparent or aunt/uncle that you can talk to about how you are feeling? 

You do not have to go through this alone. If you feel you cannot talk to somebody that you know just yet, Childline is here twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and the services are free and confidential. Childline will listen to you, focus on you and can help you to go through the options for support that are available to you. You can contact us through our telephone service on 1800 66 66 66, through our text service on 50101, or by webchat through our website www. childline.ie . 

There are also other organisations out there that can assist you and some really useful information on these websites which may help you understand what is going on for you at the minute: www.jigsaw.ie ; www yourmentalhealth.ie; www.spunout.ie (if you are over 16). The Childline website has some articles too which you can have a look through:  www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/  

We hope that you have found this response helpful. Remember, you have taken a big step in reaching out for help and describing what is going on for you. 

We hope to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself, 

Pat