Pat's Answer

Hi there, 

We are glad to see you have written to us at Ask Pat. Whenever you look in the mirror you feel something is wrong about yourself.  You are also telling us that you do not want to be alive.  

It is totally understandable you are feeling down. Body image can affect how we see ourselves and in turn how we treat our bodies. You are not be alone in feeling bad about your appearance. It is very natural that this would affect your mental wellbeing and that you may have suicidal thoughts.  It is so brave of you to be open with us here about how you are feeling.  

We would be concerned hearing you are not wanting to live. Every young person has the right to live. When you feel like you are now, you have the right to have support from adults around you. Is there any adult in your life you feel comfortable talking with? If that is not someone at home, adults like your GP, teachers and relatives also have a responsibility to do what is best for you.  

www.BodyWhys.ie  is an organisation that may be helpful for you. They work with people suffering with eating disorders and body image issues. Another is www.pieta.ie who work to help young people who are suicidal. You can find how to get in touch with them on their websites.

You have already taken the first step by reaching out to us here at Childline. If you want to chat more with us about your thoughts and feelings, we are here on our phone lines: 1800 66 66 66, our text service: 50101 and our web chat at www.childline.ie . All these services are open 24-hours a day, every day. There will always be somebody here to chat with you, when you feel like getting in touch with us. Childline is a confidential service, we do not trace calls or use caller/IP ID, so it is a safe place for you to talk about whatever is going on for you.

We wish you the very best and want you to know there are options and supports there for you. Thank you for getting in touch. We hope to hear from you soon.

Take care. 

Pat.