If you are struggling you are not alone. Yes, everyone says it, but that’s because it’s true. Not everyone is going to understand and not everyone will care – but a huge amount will and do. You are not alone.
If you don’t know who to turn to, the resources listed below may be able to provide you with support. It’s worth a try:
In the UK:
Mind
infoline – 0300 123 3393
- lots of info on different conditions, statistics, strategies to cope, where to seek help, legal information etc. A good place to start; get an overview
BAATN – The Black, African, and Asian Therapy Network
- information on where and how to find and implement appropriate and free counselling/ support for BAME
Samaritans
24/7 support call: 116 123
Email (24hr response time): jo@samaritans.org
- support for all kinds of difficulties, including crisis. Visit the website for other ways to contact them
Child line
Helpline (under 19s, currently only 9am-midnight): 0800 1111
- online peer support, 1-2-1 chats, advice and support on all sorts of topics relating to young people, coping strategies
Young Minds
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
Crisis messenger (text, 24/7): 85258
- general information of mental health specifically relating to young people, advice for parents
Papyrus
HOPELINE (9am – 10pm weekdays, 2pm – 10pm weekends, 2pm – 10pm bank holidays): call – 0800 068 4141
text – 07860039967
- youth suicide prevention, open for under 35s, visit website for other contacts and information
Refuge
Domestic abuse helpline, 24/7: 0808 2000 247
- range of support and services for men, women, and children affected by domestic abuse. The website can be hidden quickly for those worried it will be seen
A quick google search with key terms relating to a specific worry will bring up loads of relevant resources; there are lots of great lists of coping strategies/ distractions to try as well.
If you are in immediate danger or emergency you can always call 999 (UK). If you go to A&E they are legally bound to assess your mental health difficulties etc, though be aware that this may result in being sectioned under the Mental Health Act (see mind website for details)
Your GP, workplace, or teacher should also be able to provide you with relevant support and advice. Making an appointment with your GP will start the process.
In the US:
Teen Line
Established in 1980, TEEN LINE is a nonprofit, community-based organization helping troubled teenagers address their problems Phone: (310) 855-4673 or (800) 852-8336 Website: https://teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Suicide Prevention
Lifeline chat is a service of the National Suicide prevention, connecting individuals with counsellors for emotional support and other services via web chat Phone: 1-800-273-8255 Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
For worldwide suicide hotlines:
http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
There are services available, people who care, and small steps you can take to help yourself. There is so much beauty in this world and you are worthy of living it – in fact you make it so much more beautiful and are capable of amazing things. We hope you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Dare yourself to believe, just for a second, that it will be ok.
Keep Smiling. We believe in you. There is light at the end of the tunnel; there is hope. You are never alone. X
Our Happy Notes 