Conversation often flows more easily when walking and, in some instances, you may find that the conversations you have, and the topics you discuss with friends, leave you feeling like you or your friend need some support to deal with them. You or your friend may not know what to do in certain situations.
We encourage you to talk to a trusted adult (e.g. parent, teacher, other family member, friend’s mother, netball coach etc) and to make use of the following resources and services that are available to you.
Headspace.org.au
Mental health support for 12-25 year old’s including resources, information centres, online and phone services to speak confidentially and anonymously with a qualified professional (group or individual online chat and email options are available).
ReachOut.com.au
Information and resources for 14-25 year olds and their parents to assist with tough times.
Youth Focus
Youth Focus delivers frontline services and education programs, including free face-to-face counselling, which aim to reduce symptoms associated with suicide, depression, anxiety and self-harm, and build long-term mental wellbeing to help young people reach their full potential.
Kids Helpline
1800 055 1800
A 24/7 private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5-25.
If you’re worried about a friend and you need some pointers on how to ask if they’re doing OK, this RUOK resource can help:
How to ask a friend if they’re OK
Asking for help allows us to surround ourselves with people who can make us feel good and help us deal with challenging situations.
Do you or your Talk N Walk buddy ask for help when you don’t know how to do something or can’t manage a problem on your own? Or, rather than look stupid, do you pretend you know what you’re doing and that everything is OK?
Perhaps you think asking for help is a sign of weakness; that if you ask for help, you’re admitting you’re inadequate in some way; or lack skills or experience to do something yourself. You may not want anyone to see that you’re struggling; you want people to think that you’re in control and can handle things.
You don’t have to tackle the world all by yourself! It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Other people want to help you to feel stronger, safer and happier. You are important and you matter!
