It is very normal for young people (and adults) to feel low at times.
There are many reasons for feeling low, these include:
- Family breakdown
- Loss, grief or the sickness of a loved one
- The break-up of a relationship or friendship
- Not reaching an intended goal e.g. a mark in an assessment or selection in a sporting team
- Puberty and hormonal changes
- Being isolated
- Mental illness, such as anxiety and depression.
As you can see, many of these situations may be beyond your direct control, however where you do have some level of control is how you respond to the situation and the level of support you provide to those around you.
It is important to know that no matter how low or desperate you may feel you are not alone and there will always be someone willing to listen to and connect with you.
These people may include parents, siblings, a mate, a teacher, a counsellor, a favourite relative and in those times when perhaps you would like to talk to someone who does not know you, there is Kids Helpline, Lifeline and a range of other organisations with people willing to support you.
The sites listed below are websites that many young people have found helpful. Some places have people you can either call and message and others have fact sheets and stories of other young people who may have gone through similar tough times like you.
Whatever your situation, there will be some support and guidance – you are not alone.
Useful contacts
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Youth Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Head Space
- eHeadspace: 1800 650 890
- ReachOut
- Bite Back
- Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
- Black Dog Institute
- Emotional health at Barrenjoey High School
Walk in centres
Alternatively, you may just like to drop into a centre outside of school to talk with someone or just to have a break and some chill time in a safe and supportive environment.
Fortunately, there are places just like this on the Northern Beaches.
- Youth Reach: 12 Powells Road, Brookvale NSW 2100
- Avalon Youth Hub: 59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon NSW 2107
- PCYC Northern Beaches: 40 Kingsway, Dee Why NSW 2099
Free counselling services
Or your situation may require you talking with a health professional like a psychologist outside of school. Fortunately, there are an abundance of private counselling services on the Northern Beaches as well as some free ones.
- Northern Beaches Youth and Family Counselling Service: 02 9976 1486 or email AFC@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
- Sydney Drug Education and Counselling Service: 02 9977 0711
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service in Brookvale: 02 9388 5150
Emergency services
Of course, if you or someone you know is in a serious crisis then please contact 000 immediately and ask for an ambulance or the police. No problem is too big that it cannot be managed. You can do this...we can do this.
Please note that although these sites are reputable, the school does not regularly review all contents and cannot be held responsible for what is contained within. Particularly for younger students, some parental guidance may be necessary.