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Post edited by JustV on
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It sounds like you've had to be resilient through so much, and it's completely understandable that you'd be feeling overwhelmed and scared. How are you feeling today?
The main thing I am noticing here is how many times you've been dismissed and invalidated, especially when you were reaching out for help. It's not fair, and it's not okay and I am not surprised that you don't know where to go or who to turn to. It sounds like you've been trying to get help for a while, but haven't found a consistent source of support and I can hear that you are feeling incredibly frustrated about this which is to be expected!
There are resources available in the meantime though, even if it feels overwhelming right now:
Contact a mental health helpline: They can offer a listening ear and point you towards resources in your area. Here are a few:
Local urgent mental health helpline | Open 24/7 | Find details about your local service here.
*Crisis Messenger - Our crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. You can text THEMIX to 85258.
Contact Mind Infoline: Infoline is an information and signposting service. You can ask them about:
Mental health problems
Where to get help near you
Treatment options
Advocacy services
Welfare benefits
It's important to remember that you're not alone in this. Many people struggle to get the support they need, and it's often a frustrating and demoralising experience. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be heard and understood, Shannon.
It's also okay to feel sad and angry about your social worker leaving. She clearly made a positive impact on your life, and it's natural to grieve the loss of that support.
It's wonderful to hear that you're feeling a strong connection with your counsellor. It's completely normal to form bonds with people who are supportive and understanding, especially when you're sharing personal experiences. It's also understandable to feel anxious about the end of your counselling sessions. How would it feel to discuss these feelings with your counsellor?
Remember, you're strong and resilient. You've been through a lot, and you've come out the other side so many times. Keep reaching out for help, yoou deserve to get the help you need
Sending Hugs to you
It’s completely natural to feel sad about losing a supportive person like your former social worker or counsellor. Losing those positive connections when they’ve helped you feel heard and validated can feel like a huge loss, and it’s okay to feel scared about it. Maybe as you work through these sessions, you could talk to your counsellor about strategies to cope with these transitions. It sounds like you have a lot of insight into your own needs, and sometimes just having that honest conversation with her might help ease some of the worry.
I just wanted to let you know that I made a small edit within your original post to remove the section about the counsellor on your student helpline as this discussed a specific method. This is just to keep language on the boards safe and within our guidelines.
I know it’s hard when there aren’t many support options available, especially with the restrictions you’re facing in Northern Ireland. It seems like you’ve been so resilient, reaching out again and again despite the setbacks. Sometimes it’s helpful to write down a list of small things that have helped or felt comforting in moments when things feel particularly heavy. Do you have any routines or activities, however small, that bring a sense of calm or grounding? Talking about those small moments might be another way to find some additional support or relief in between counselling sessions.
I've popped some Northern Ireland specific support services that I've found below which you might like to look into:
Turn2Me is a safe, anonymous, and confidential space for you to gain support for your mental health online. You can find out more here: https://turn2me.ie/
PIPS provides crisis intervention, support for people affected by suicide, and counselling services in Belfast and other areas in NI. You can find out more here: https://pipscharity.com/
Zest specialises in support for people dealing with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other emotional pain. You can find out more here: https://www.zestni.org/
AWARE offers support for people with depression, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders. They provide in-person and online support groups, education, and information. You can find out more here: https://aware-ni.org/
Inspire Wellbeing provides a range of mental health services, including counselling and support groups for individuals, workplaces, and communities. You can find out more here: https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/our-services/mental-health-and-addiction/
MindWise supports people with mental health challenges and provides community-based programs, advocacy, and supported housing. You can find out more here: https://www.mindwisenv.org/
Remember, Shannon, that your feelings are completely valid. You deserve support, and none of this is your fault. Thank you again for being so open here - it takes real courage to share so honestly. We're here to talk whenever you need. Sending lots of hugs.
You have been really brave in sharing this with us. As you rightly highlighted, you are allowed to feel this way. Your feelings and experiences are valid. Is there anything, in particular, which might help with accessing support at the moment?
I am also hearing how difficult this is with living outside of the parameters of services recommended. We are here with you
You don't deserve to be called 'attention seeker' etc - you clearly need (and deserve) support. However, I can recognise that whilst this is not good practice, you felt you at least had access to a contact for support.
You won't be annoying and wasting doctor's time by going back to them. Though, even if you were, they are there to make sure you have the treatment and support you need and deserve! Do you know what sort of support you would ask them for if you were to go back to them?
You deserve to feel listened to, without something bad happening first to prove you need help. Saying and recognising (very bravely) you need support should be more than enough for them to listen and want to help!
Really glad to hear you are safe. Please feel free to keep talking to us about how this is going for you - we are all here with you and want the best for you
I will keep saying you deserve support but I know that, unfortunately, doesn't make you feel like it is deserved! If a friend was struggling, would you say they didn't deserve it? I think you'd be convincing them they are worth it! I hope you can be kind to yourself and convince yourself you deserve it.
Is there anyone you feel safer talking to? I am hearing how important they may be to include in your appointments. Could you talk to us / your counsellor about drafting some points to include in your appointment - would it be helpful if you could take notes with you?
In terms of self-advocacy in Northern Ireland, I have found a few resources which might be able to help:
Advocacy for All
Disability Action Northern Ireland - Advocacy Service
Irish Advocacy Network
How do these sound? Are they resources you have already tried? It sounds really disappointing that a service you contacted has had to close their advocacy service. Hopefully, there are still advocacy services available for you - either national or specific to Northern Ireland
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