Getting help and uni struggles

[adagio9]

Hi, so I recently posted on the youthbeyondblue forum but this one seems to be a lot more active.

Basically- I'm struggling with starting uni and my mental health is pretty bad at the moment.

I do want to get help but I'm scared to tell my family and also because of how suicidal I get , I'm afraid that if I do see someone without them knowing (I'm 18) that they will be contacted anyway. My dilemma is that I'm in quite a critical position at the moment and I know that I have to do something.

I don't know where to turn. I also don't have my own medicare card so logically that is the next step but then do I go to a gp, headspace or my uni's counselling service??

beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

[beyondblue_Online_Communi]

Dear adagio9,

Thank you for your post. Being 18, everything is completely confidential. Any of the options you suggested, Headspace, uni counselling, or your GP would be able to support you and be an important next step.

If you are getting suicidal thoughts, it is critical to get immediate support. Remember, you can also ask your family to be there for you without telling them everything, but it is important to tell a mental health professional the magnitude of the situation for you. Suicidal thoughts are like your brain's alarm system saying you need help to get through, or you may not be safe. We hope you will stay ahead of the situation and reach out again, to the offline supports you've suggested. You can speak with them directly about your concerns around confidentiality with your family as well - they will understand and help you.

If at any point you become unsure of your safety, please do not take the risk, speak with your GP if they are available immediately, or call your local mental health care team (we have provided this number to you in an email).

We hope our response has been helpful and that you will also get supportive responses from the online community. You can also contact our counselling team 24/7 at 1300 224 636 or via webchat daily from 3pm-midnight. Please keep reaching out, and stay safe.

[Pixie15]

Hi adagio9,

Welcome to the forums. I hope you do get some young people responding to your posts. I have returned to university this year as a mature age student and it is not any easier than the last time I was there. I hope whatever your struggles are that you do seek some help.

thanks,

Christine.

[_savinme_]

Hi adagio9,

I am in the same position as you in terms of not being able to tell my family the sadness I feel sometimes. I'm a few years older than you but I know the struggle of starting uni. If you ever need someone to talk to I'm happy to listen 🙂 I have never tried the uni counselling service but maybe give it a go?

[Zeal]

Hi Adagio9,

I’m also studying at university. As you are struggling with your mental health, it would be great for you to make an appointment with your university's disability/counselling service. Special Provisions can be set up to help people who have any form of impairment or disability. For example, people with anxiety conditions may be granted short extensions for assignments, without a medical certificate. During the appointment, the staff member will assess your condition and set up a plan for you. At my uni, it’s called a Disability Access Plan. Upon graduation, no one will know about these allowances, and this includes future employers. The lecturers also will treat this with privacy and respect.

Going to see your GP is also important. They can help you through this difficult stage, and can refer you to a psychologist or counsellor if that’s needed. If you’re feeling really vulnerable, please call the Beyond blue helpline on 1300 22 4636. If you have a stable relationship with your parents, perhaps you could talk to them about how you’re feeling. You don’t have to tell them every symptom in detail- just touching base with them is good.

Good luck with uni, and I hope you can find some relief soon :)

Best wishes,

SM