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Asking for help

Don't be afraid, too shy or too proud to talk about your problems or feelings.

  • Talking about your problems and feelings is natural and nobody should try to stop you showing your emotions or asking for help when you need it.
  • Deciding who to talk to is the first step. If you can’t talk to anyone you know visit a doctor or counsellor and tell them how you feel.
  • If you work up the courage to talk to someone and they are unable to help or don’t help you, then try again and keep trying until you get the support you deserve. It might help to talk to a support organisation like Samaritans.
  • If you’re feeling down, angry, upset or depressed then talking about your feelings can help you work out your emotions. 
  • Actually saying what’s wrong and hearing someone else talk about it can put a whole new perspective on things. The person you talk to might also suggest options that you had not thought of before.
  • Talking about your feelings can be a huge relief. If you aren’t able to say how you are feeling then try writing everything down and giving it to a friend, family member or doctor.
  • If you bottle up your feelings then emotions and tough situations can seem overwhelming. Don’t try to manage everything by yourself: There are people willing to help you get through ANY situation.
  • See the Need help now? factsheet for information on some of the main support organisations and services available.
  • See the information on talking to a doctor for tips on how to ask for help.
  • Find out about confidentiality here.

If you need to talk to someone right now then contact one of these organisations for confidential support 24 hours a day- no matter your age or where you are.

Samaritans PHONE: 1850 609090
(Northern Ireland PHONE: 08457 909090)
Email: jo@samaritans.org 
Web: www.samaritans.org
Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

ChildLine FREEPHONE: 1800 66 66 66
Talk to ChildLine online.
Web: www.childline.ie 
Childline is a 24-hour a day service for young people up to 18. Childline offer support to young people through their listening service over the phone and through the website. You can call Childline for a chat or to talk about any problems you might have.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self harm, you should immediately contact your local doctor or go to the A&E department of the nearest hospital. The doctors and hospitals in your area will be listed in the Golden Pages: www.goldenpages.ie.