I've been waiting a long time for a decision on my asylum. I can’t take it much longer

I've been waiting a long time to find out whether I get to stay in Sweden. I think about it every day. I'm so tired of waiting. It makes me feel sad and tired. I used to think it was fun to go to school, learn Swedish, and spend time with friends. But now I just don’t feel like it anymore. What should I do?

It is really understandable that you would feel sad and tired. It is normal to feel hopeless when you don't know what's going to happen.

It is good to talk to someone when you feel this way. Sharing heavy thoughts and feelings with someone who listens and tries to understand can help you feel better. It is important that you don't keep these tough feelings bottled up inside. You might know others who are in the same kind of situation as you. Can you talk to any of them about your thoughts and feelings?

There are also several places you can contact, where they are used to talking to young people who are feeling emotionally unwell. Here are some suggestions:
• A youth guidance centre, called ungdomsmottagning in Swedish. There, you can talk to a social welfare officer, who helps young people who are not doing well or are in a difficult situation.
• The student health centre of your school, called elevhälsan in Swedish. There, you can get help from the school welfare officer or the school nurse.
• There are also a number of organisations that support and help people who are struggling in different ways. The Red Cross and Save the Children are two examples of these.

Try to do things that made you happy in the past, meet with friends, and focus on your school work. School is important for your future, whether you stay in Sweden or not. You have a better chance of succeeding in the future if you can speak some English and have some schooling. Take advantage of the opportunities that are available here, even if you are feeling sad and tired.

Are you having thoughts about not wanting to live anymore? Some people get these kinds of thoughts when going through a difficult time. If so, it is important that you get help quickly. You can contact BUP (psychiatry centre for children and adolescents) or an emergency psychiatric clinic. There are many people who have considered suicide, but then got help and are feeling much better now.

You have survived a lot and are very strong. You might feel like you can't go on right now, but that doesn't mean that you will feel this way forever. Try to find someone you can talk to. This will help you feel stronger and may make you feel a little happier.