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What should I do if the system has provided all the support it can?

TastyCheeseContributor24 Mar 2026, 9:45 pm AEDT

What should I do if the system has provided all the support it can?

18M. I’ve been diagnosed with depression and screened as likely level 1 ASD with ADHD. I’ve been struggling for over three years now, and earlier on I was very active in trying to find solutions and develop coping strategies. So at this point I have a very clear idea on what I can do to regulate my emotions and what I should be doing to stay safe.

More recently in finishing high school, I’ve lost access to most of the support services I was using. At the same time, I started working, turned 18, and have ended up spiraling. When I tried to reach out for help, I was met with the same response I have gotten from so many in the past: that there’s not much they can do beyond offering more strategies and information.

I feel selfish even asking this because there are plenty who have it far worse than me, but is that really all the system can do? I am expected to suffer and just deal with it?

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In response to: What should I do if the system has provided all the support it can?

TastyCheeseContributor26 Mar 2026, 9:03 pm AEDT

Re: What should I do if the system has provided all the support it can?

Im glad @MatchaToad your messages have been really kind. I am comfortable sharing more and to be completely honest I would like to but it uh.. would breach the community guidelines..... 😄

In response to: What should I do if the system has provided all the support it can?

i8myegoSenior Contributor26 Mar 2026, 9:29 pm AEDT

Re: What should I do if the system has provided all the support it can?

@TastyCheese

Oh mate, you made me tear up. Your answer was perfect. Speak your truth my man. I didn't just hear and see you, I felt that. And, I hate that you have to feel it too.

I would never have been able to express myself the way you do at your age. I was a drunken stoner who moved furniture for a living and played amateur AFL at the lowest level just to legally get my "thug on". The Sargent's at the watch house and the Magistrate's in the courts didn't hold much hope for my future. And, yet, they were always kind and positive. Because I was always honest and respectful to them.

There is always something you can do. Don't be the frog who gets boiled alive just because the water was fine upon entry.

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