Tahlia Faced Incredible Loss Before Turning 18; Then She Found Peel Youth Services

Trigger Warning: This article discusses suicide.

This post is presented in partnership with Peel Youth Services.

Being in high school can be tough for anyone. With the stress of exams, maintaining friendships and deciding what you’d like to do after Year 12, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, for people suffering from mental health issues, it can be understandably even more difficult to cope.

As Tahlia Barns tells Student Edge, her mental health was significantly impacted after losing people she loved.

"I had a lot of loss when I was younger, so I had a bit of a tragic start to my teens," she says.

"When I was ten, my father took his life and I didn’t really deal with it, I didn’t get any counselling.

"Then the next year, my cousin who I was really close to was diagnosed with cancer and it was terminal. During my first year of high school she passed away, and that’s when I went to see the school counsellor."

As the 18-year-old explains, seeing her school counsellor ultimately enabled her to take part in Peel Youth Service’s Choyces program, which empowers young women to reach their full potential through counselling, specialised workshops and outreach.

"The location is in the middle of the bush and everyone there is so nice and calm, and you don’t have to put up a face."

Pictured: Tahlia Barns (supplied).

Not only did Tahlia learn how to gain more control over her emotions through the program, but she also made lifelong friends.

"You’re out there in the bush with seven other kids who have gone through similar things, so you kind of get to relate to a lot of them as well," she says.

"I met one of my best friends through Choyces."

Besides Choyces, Peel Youth Services also arranged for Tahlia to speak to a counsellor one-on-one. Her counsellor, Sasha, offered her help when she needed it the most.

"A couple of years after my cousin passed away, my best friend passed away in a car accident," Tahlia says.

"I thought 'I’m done with this'. But [Peel Youth Services] don’t give up, and they make you feel important and loved."

With the help of her counsellor, Tahlia was able to identify ways to help her cope with the anger she was experiencing. Now, she’s discovered that exercise can have a profound impact on the way she’s feeling.

"I kind of learnt how to distract myself, but how to express myself at the same time," she says.

"So, that’s where fitness comes in. When I’m feeling very angry, I do a fitness thing like go for a run instead of sitting in the anger."

While Tahlia is now comfortable sharing her story with others, that hasn’t always been the case. She remembers feeling very hesitant to talk to strangers about her mental health.

"I know at the start it is so scary and you’re so nervous, and you don’t want to open up and talk to random strangers," she says.

"I think a big thing with Peel Youth Services is you can trust these guys, and they trust you back."

As Tahlia tells us, receiving support for her mental health has made her more resilient.

"I’m a completely different person to who I was in Year 9. I’ve become stronger and more carefree," she says.

Although the prospect might be daunting, Tahlia believes it’s crucial to seek help if you feel like you need some extra support.

"You’re not overreacting or being dramatic, you can go and seek some help," she says.

"If there’s a weight on your chest that won’t go away, the only thing that really does help is acknowledging that it’s there and talking about it."

The world is a better place with you in it. Find out more at peelyouthservices.org.au.

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header Image: Supplied