Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help, whether it’s for yourself or for someone else. If you’re in trouble, there are many places to go for help. Parents, teachers, friends, police, and doctors are there for you. If you need help, it’s important that you reach out. There is no problem too big, too small or too embarrassing; if you are upset, you need to deal with your feelings. There is no shame in asking for help or in telling someone else they need help.

Where to get help

Your school guidance counsellor
Guidance counsellors are there to help you through the tough times. If you’re having a hard time fitting in at school, dealing with issues at home, or just sad and don’t know why you should talk to a guidance counsellor. School guidance counsellors are trained to deal with a variety of issues. Just being able to talk to someone can help you feel better.  If you don’t know where to go, your guidance counsellor can point you in the right direction and often help connect you with people who can help you work through your problem.

A family member
Your family loves you and wants to help you. While parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles may not always seem to “get it”, they were once kids and can understand how you feel. You can talk to a family member that you trust even if it’s just to have someone to listen.

Other adults you trust
A family friend, teachers and police are all people you can go to if you need help. They can help you just by listening or can take action and help you work through your problem.

Friends
If something is bothering you, talk to someone. Friends can be great listeners and might be able to help you to get the help you need.

There are a number of websites you can turn to.

Kid’s Help Phone
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca or call 1-800-668-6868

Bullying Canada
http://www.bullyingcanada.ca/