Getting help
Different people find different things can help. Lots of people in your own workplace, school, university or community can help and there are also many services and helplines ready to listen and help you.
Many people find talking to someone else is the best way to get help. It doesn't have to be the same person who could actually help. It just needs to be someone you can trust. It could be a friend, partner, family member, colleague, tutor, supervisor, counsellor, practice nurse, doctor or a helpline.
Samaritans volunteers have heard many people's stories, and you can discuss anything you want with them in complete confidence. Samaritans often work with those who feel they cannot talk to anyone else - either because they don't have someone they trust, or because they do not want to worry those around them. Remember that the Samaritans phone, email and face to face support services are available 24/7.
Starting a conversation
Talking with friends, family, colleagues or someone like Samaritans about a problem is never easy. If a problem is really bad, what can you say?
Every situation is different, and there are no absolute answers. But here are some suggestions to help you start talking in difficult, challenging situations. Often, starting a conversation's half the battle.
Some of these tips might be useful:
Think of where you will have the conversation. Choose somewhere you feel safe and where you're not likely to be disturbed. This could be somewhere private or somewhere really busy where you won't be overheard
If you're worried you won't know what to say, perhaps write it down beforehand. Could you tell them how you feel? If you know - what's making you feel like this?
Remember that they will almost certainly want to offer you support but you need to help them understand what you want from them. What help would you like?
Most people find it helps to tell someone. Most people who contact Samaritans said talking or emailing helped them cope and feel less anxious, less isolated and more understood
Remember that the hardest part is starting a conversation. Once you have done this, it will get easier.
