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Everyone goes through troubled times in there lives due to all sorts of different reasons. Stress is a difficult thing to deal with regardless of age, and there are many factors in someone's life that might add to one's stress levels.
Hamster Hideout is a website that typically attracts the attention of younger members in an age range approximately estimated between 10-18 years old. Of course, there's many that exceed that age limit, because owning hamsters isn't just for young people! 
But being that the majority of the site is younger people, it has come to a lot of our attention that there's been a lot of serious talk happening within the forum, which is straining on the forum for a number of reasons.
- 1. This website is dedicated to proper hamster care, and educating new and old owners alike on giving their hamsters the best possible care. That's not to say that we cannot discuss other things, that is of course why there are other designated boards. However, there does seem to be a lot more personal things making its way onto the forum, and it's important to remember the sensitive issues that may be discussed, and be reminded of the fact that what is put on the internet, is there for everyone to see...regardless of where it is placed.
- 2. With the fact very few of us do not know each other personally, or even outside of the forum itself, it puts a lot of pressure on our members to see and read certain things posted by others that may either be triggering, or simply misunderstood. If there are personal issues in your life that are hard for you, and you express them to someone else, it's typically human nature to react sympathetically to the other person, and offer you help or condolence. However, in some cases people don't know what to say or do, and may become uncomfortable with what is being said to them, whether directly or not.
While it's important to have friends, and people to talk to when you are in distress, or are at a time of pain in your life, however it is not fair to place a heavy burden on them, especially when there is absolutely nothing they can do about it. They will worry about you, and in turn that adds unnecessary stress to them.
If you ever feel like you are to the point where you don't have anyone to talk to personally, always remember that there are people out there who can help you. If your parents or close friends or family are trusted enough, please make them your first options, as they can be there with you physically, rather than by distance, and can help prevent you from wanting to harm yourself in any way.
Here is a list of Suicide Prevention Hotlines, Kid's/Adolescent help phones, and helpful websites that can give you some professional help when you need it most:
Toll free phone lines (references courtesy of mentalillnessmouse)
Depression:
- Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (2433) – Can use in US, U.K., Canada and Singapore
- Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-999-9999
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8245)
- National Adolescent Suicide Helpline: 1-800-621-4000
- Postpartum Depression: 1-800-PPD-MOMS
- NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group: 1-800-826-3632
- Veterans: 1-877-VET2VET
- Crisis Help Line – For Any Kind of Crisis: 1-800-233-4357
- Suicide & Depression Crisis Line – Covenant House: 1-800-999-9999
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide: (UK only) 0844-561-6855
- Beyondblue info line: (Australia only) 1300-22-4636
- 24/7 Crisis Line:(Canada only) 905-522-1477
- Lifeline Australia: 13-11-14
Domestic Abuse:
Youth & Teen Hotlines:
- National Child Abuse Helpline: 1-800-422-4453
- National Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (TDD): 1-800-787-32324
- Center for the Prevention of School Violence: 1-800-299-6504
- Child Abuse Helpline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
- Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-548-2722
- Healing Woman Foundation (Abuse): 1-800-477-4111
- Child Abuse Hotline Support & Information: 1-800-792-5200
- Women’s Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline: (UK Only) 0345 023 468
- Sexual Abuse Centre: (UK Only) 0117 935 1707
- Sexual Assault Support (24/7, English & Spanish): 1-800-223-5001
- Domestic & Teen Dating Violence (English & Spanish: 1-800-992-2600
- Relationships Australia: 1300-364-277
Gay and Lesbian Hotlines:
- National Youth Crisis Support: 1-800-448-4663
- Youth America Hotline: 1-877-YOUTHLINE (1-877-968-8454)
- Covenant House Nine-Line (Teens): 1-800-999-9999
- Boys Town National: 1-800-448-3000
- Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900
- TeenLine: 1-800-522-8336
- Youth Crisis Support: 1-800-448-4663 or 1-800-422-0009
- Runaway Support (All Calls are Confidential): 800-231-694
- National Runaway Hotline: (US only) 1800-231-6946
- Child Helpline: (UK Only) 0800-111
- Kids Helpline: (Australia) 1800-55-1800
- Youth to Youth: (UK only) 020-8896-3675
- Kids Help Phone Canada: 1800-688-6868
- National Youth Crisis Hotline:(US only) 800-442-442-4673
- The Trevor Helpline (For homosexuality questions or problems): 1-800-850-8078
- Gay & Lesbian National Support: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Youth Support Line: 1-800-850-8078
- Lesbian & Gay Switchboard: (UK Only) 0121 622 6589
- Lothian Gay & Lesbian Switchboard – Scotland: (Scotland Only) 0131 556 4049
Other Hotlines:
- Self-Injury Support: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
- Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention: 1-800-931-2237 (Hours: 8am-noon daily, PST)
- Eating Disorders Center: 1-888-236-1188
- Help Finding a Therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)
- Panic Disorder Information and Support: 1-800-64-PANIC (1-800-647-2642)
- TalkZone (Peer Counselors): 1-800-475-TALK (1-800-475-2855)
- Parental Stress Hotline: 1-800-632-8188
- Parent Help Line (Australia only): 1300-364-100
- National AIDS Helpline: (UK Only) 0800 567 123
- Mensline Australia: 1300-789-978
Websites:
www.itgetsbetter.org
http://www.iasp.info/resources/crisis_centres/
http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html
S.A.F.E. Alternatives for Stopping Self Abuse
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
crisischat.org
Always try to remember that you are not alone in your fight. There are others out there like you who understand what you are going through, and can offer help. Use any of these references freely to your desire, and always remember they are there for you use when you feel you need them most.
They are non-judgmental, and can offer you professional and expert advice, while keeping your health and safety in mind.
If you can get in to find a councilor in your area, it is also highly recommended. They can help you work through your issues over time, and offer long term results. A lot of the numbers and websites listed are for immediate help when in distress, or are at risk for harming yourself. Seeking out a councilor in your school, community, or through your health district can be very beneficial to you, and are typically free services.
Please don't ever lose hope.
Edited by Lucas, 04 June 2014 - 06:58 AM.
Mods please edit as you see fit/add anything
