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Talking to someone outside of the situation

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Counsellors can be helpful

One of the advantages of talking to a counsellor is that they are not involved in the situation. This can sometimes make it easier to talk openly about your concerns without feeling like people are making judgements. Most counsellors are open-minded and they won't tell anyone else unless you want them to. Sometimes though, they may have to. That's if:

  • they believe that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
  • a court orders them to.

For more information about confidentiality, you may want to check out the Confidentiality fact sheet.

Counsellors are also trained to help you change the things that cause you distress. For more information about how a counsellor may be able to help you, check out the counsellor section on Getting help or explore the Who can help you section. Other people who you may be able to talk with are youth workers, teachers or your local doctor.

If you are still unsure about whether talking to someone is the best option for you, you may want to check out the fact sheet Benefits of talking to someone.

  • This content was created by Reach Out Australia.
  • Last updated 06 Sep 10

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3 Comments

Roisin - RO Crew

9 months ago

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Hi there Bon!!

If your friend has told you that they are considering suicide then this should be taken very seriously. It is important that you remind your friend  that thoughts don't need to lead to action - thoughts about taking their life are just thoughts. They do not mean they have to act on them.  No matter how overwhelming they are or how often they have them. They also don't mean that they will always have those thoughts.

You have done a really great thing by coming on here and asking for advise, your friend is lucky to have such a supportive person looking out for them but you need to speak to somebody who can help you both right now.  

Asking your friend to see the school counsellor is a really great first step.  Local GP's are really great too.  These professionals are trained to deal with a wide range of issues and can give advise and refer your friend on to services that will be able to help them.  Check out these fact sheets on going to see your local GP or school counsellor (You may want to show them to your friend too): http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/local-doctor-or-general-practitioner-gp,  http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/school-counsellors

If your friend doesn't feel up to speaking to someone face to face then why don't they try kids helpline on 1800 55 1800.  They are really friendly and 100% confidential and anonymous.  Your friend can call any time of the night or day free from a land line or pay phone. so I hope they give them a try.

Another great confidential and anonymous service is free web and email counselling.  You guys can check it out at these links: https://www.eheadspace.org.au/, 

Bullying may be only one of the factors that is making your friend feel this way so it is vitally important that they seek help.  

When you are worried about a friend you might feel stressed or overwhelmed and forget to look after yourself.  It is important that you take care of how you are feeling. Speak to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend or counsellor. You might also want to chat with someone from  Kids Helpline (like I mentioned above) to help yourself get through this tough time.

It's also important to remember that even though you can offer support, you are not responsible for the actions or behaviour of your friend. If they are not willing to help themselves it is not your fault.

Keep reaching out

Roisin (on behalf of the RO Crew)

Bon!!

9 months ago

Reply Report

Im Really worried,
my friend told me she was considering suicide because of the bullying thats happening to her,
shes gaining depression, and im talking her into seeing consellors or the school nurse, but she doesn't want to! im the only one who knows, and ive suggested everything from writing down her feelings to going for a walk everyday.
i dont know what to do!!! HELLLPPP.

cheeky_one

over 1 year ago

Reply Report

Talking to someone can changed your life, you may be scared at first, and may be the one off the hardest things you can do, I was always to scared to seek help, Felt to "proud" I guess you could say to seek help, Thought i was to good for it..

One day I had ran away from home, and hurt myself  I woke up to police finding me, and getting taken to hospital, I was in a pretty bad way... , I was detained and forced to seek help, but it was the best thing that had happened to me.

I was completely scared about seeking help but i went through with it, and started feeling alot better about my self, and started getting a positive out look on life, if it hadn't been for the police, hospital and the counsellors, friends who i had support me through my rough times i wouldn't be here now.

Counsellor are great to speak to, they don't judge you with anything you say they just wanna support you through all the hard times that you are going through and want to see you come out with a happy positive out come in your life/future.

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