topic Re: How do I ask for help? in Depression

How do I ask for help?

KayKay123 — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:40:28 GMT

Im a teen and have been struggling for a while, suicidal thoughts and things like that. I am so tired of everything and burnt-out and just don't want to feel like this anymore, but It's so hard and paralysing to mention anything at all to my parents. They're good people, but I'm just so scared and I don't know why. Does anyone know any ways I can tell someone?

Re: How do I ask for help?

saltandlight — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:24:05 GMT

Sorry to hear that you are going through this. As someone who has been through this when I was a teen, if I could do things differently, I would have asked for help early on. In hindsight, if I had asked for help earlier, I would not have suffered alone for so long. When you are struggling like this, asking for help can feel like the hardest thing. So, well done for reaching out, you are taking a step in the right direction. There is hope, and a lot of help available. I would start with calling the Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, who are equipped to help teenagers just like you. I know suicidal thoughts make you feel so scared about what will happen, these are part of having the suicidal thoughts and can make everything feel scary even when everything is going to get better. Absolutely tell your parents, so that they can support you through this. There is no wrong way to tell your parents, and the sooner you do, the sooner they can equip themselves to help you. As a parent myself now I would be glad that my child was asking me for help. One way you can tell them is to ask them for a private time that you can talk about something urgent and important. That way they can give you their full attention. Then, just tell them that you've been struggling with suicidal thoughts and feeling burnt out, and need help. It's ok to cry if you feel scared and overwhelmed. Don't worry about if they are surprised and want to ask you questions. Rest assured that it is just to help them understand what you are going through. They might need to work out how they can support you, and there is support for them too on the Kids helpline website. You can tell them about the Kids helpline support for parents if they are unaware.

Sending you strength x

Re: How do I ask for help?

trying_my_best — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:06:45 GMT

Hi @KayKay123

I struggled like this myself as a teenager. At first I felt that there was no one I could talk to and my path to feeling better was mine alone. But one day it just got too much, so I confided in my mum. As embarrassed as I felt I am so glad I did! She encouraged me to seek the counsellor at my school and I discussed these issues with my counsellor, I also confided in them and shared my version of a diary.

As scary as it was at the time, it helped soo much! And now whenever I am going through similar bouts, I feel SO much more confident at seeking help. It just took one scary step.

Wishing you the best 🫶