Everyone has hard days in life and for some people, these can become hard weeks, months or even years.

Life can feel unfair and as you watch your friends or peers living their ‘best lives’ on social media, it’s easy to compare your situation with theirs and wish for something different.

If the problem is at home, you might even think about running away.

But as tempting as that thought might seem, it’s really important to think it through. Running away might look dramatic and adventurous on TV but in real life, it’s a very different scenario.

These are just a few practical questions to consider:

• Where will you run to?
• How many of your belongings are you going to carry with you
• Do you have somewhere to sleep?
• How much money do you have and how long will it last?
• Where are you going to charge your phone?
• Are you going to let someone know where you are in case something happens?
• Do you realise how frantic and worried your family will be when they realise you’re gone?
• Are you aware that your photo will be on the News and internet with the title ‘missing person’?

Even if you’ve thought of all these things and have answers for all of them, there are still two other very important things to consider before running away from home:

• You are putting yourself in danger
• It doesn’t solve the problem

Once you run away and are on your own, you are immediately more vulnerable to any kind of misfortune, be it kidnapping, physical attack, or theft or something worse.

And while running away may highlight the depth of your unhappiness, it certainly won’t resolve it. Instead, talk to someone you trust about what is making you miserable or upset.

If the problem is at home or you don’t want to talk to anyone you know, call Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or live chat on childline.ie.

We’re always here for a free, confidential and non-judgemental chat about what’s going on in your life.