You Can Get Help

Feeling sad, angry or worried at times is a normal part of life. Sometimes we might feel sad for a moment, a day, or a couple of weeks. A fight with a friend, a bad mark on a test, or a bad day can easily change how we feel. It might even seem like life will never get better. During these times it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and that there are people you can talk to who can help you. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen and hear us. Here is a starting list of people whom you may approach:

Parents or caregivers
Your teachers
Your school’s welfare team

Your parents or caregivers (or another close family member) are a great place to start if you need help. They can listen to you, support you, and help you. They also know the people in your life who can provide more help – like your doctor and your teachers.

Teachers care about their students. Your teacher can listen and help you. They may have some great advice - they may have already helped other teenagers with the same thing you are going through!

Some schools have a welfare team or student support team. They might have different names in different schools, but they all are there for the same reason – to help and support students who are having a hard time. If you don’t know anyone from your school’s welfare team, you can ask your teacher at your school or your parent to help you find out how to meet with someone from the team.

Organisations

If you would rather get help from someone you don’t know, there are organisations you can call or visit who can listen and provide support. Some include:

Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline are there to talk to you about many things, like mental health, physical health, friends, family and relationships. You can go on their website for information, call, email or chat online. Calling, emailing and chatting online with Kids Helpline are free.

Tel: 1800 55 1800

headspace
headspace have a lot of information on gender identity, sexuality, bullying, relationships, mental health and more. They have centres you can visit. It’s free to visit, and many services are free or low cost. They also have online support, so you can chat to someone online, for free.

Beyond Blue – Youth
Beyond Blue have a lot of information about stress, anxiety, and feeling sad. They have learning programs, apps and forums online. You can visit their website, call, email or chat online. Calling, emailing, chatting online and using the online forums at Beyond Blue are free.

Tel: 1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline

headspace

Beyond Blue – Youth