Lena's Story

"I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life. My school well-being officer contacted a counsellor from Hobsons Bay Youth Services and referred me. Before the first appointment I was so nervous, and I worried about being judged. When I attended, I realised it was the support I needed. I was tired of struggling on my own and knew I had to get help. 

"Counselling has taught me ways to cope with my depression and anxiety. Finding triggers helped me function in society without stressing about a panic attack. Counselling gives young people someone to turn to when they feel like they have no one. There’s no shame in gaining support and that it’s completely ok to not be ok.

"You only live once and it's always better to seek help."

*Hobsons Bay Youth Services, as part of Hobsons Bay City Council, is a child-safe organisation. To protect the young person’s identity, their name has been changed and a stock image used. Their story has been shared with permission.

Counselling support