If you feel lost or confused, you can get help -- here's how.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: As long as it takes!
Here's How:
- Find someone you can trust who is also able to do something to help you -- parents, grand-parents, counsellors, teachers, religious leaders, a friend's parent, or another adult relative are good choices.
- Don't be afraid to cry, yell or let your feelings out.
- Be honest! Confess everything that is on your mind or that you have thought about.
- Be clear! Make sure that the person you reach out to understand how serious the situation is and how much you want help.
- Provide details! List all reasons and/or events that have contributed to your current state.
- If you are being bullied or harassed, make this clear.
- If you are having thoughts of harming others, admit it.
- If you have thought about suicide, say so.
- Say that you can no longer handle the situation alone and that you want help.
- Give the person you reach out to permission to take all reasonable steps to get you some help -- do not swear anyone to secrecy.
- Do not be ashamed -- needing help is nothing to be ashamed of, and reaching out for help is a sign of great strength.
- Stay strong!
Tips:
- If you are thinking of harming yourself or others, you must get help NOW.
- Do not let your fears keep you from getting help. Ignore any feelings that tell you to "go it alone".
- People do love and care for you -- let them show you how much.