Emotional health
We all have trouble coping with our feelings sometimes, and we need to be able to deal with them in positive ways that help us get back on track.
Did you know?
- One in 4 of the population is likely to have mental health problems at some time during their life. Seek help if you feel you might have a problem - try the links at the bottom of this page if you can't talk to a friend or relative.
Feeling stressed
There is a great deal of pressure to perform well. Some pressure is healthy because without it we might not achieve, but too much can result in feelings of not being able to cope, anger, depression, tiredness or feeling ‘they just don’t care’.
Ideas to help relieve stress:
- Do some exercise
- Learn to relax e.g. using breathing techniques
Feeling down / depression
We all find life difficult at times and can find it hard to cope
- One in 5 people are affected by depression during their life
- If it becomes severe or you feel down for a long time (eg weeks on end) seek help
Feeling angry
It is important to recognise why and when you get angry. Anger is a normal physical and emotional reaction, but it's important not to let it get out of hand.
- Understanding the triggers can lead to controlling these emotions.
- Think about how your anger affects other people
Could a game help you to understand happiness, make you more resilient and better at dealing with the hard knocks?
After extensive research into young people’s lifestyle and wellbeing, Channel 4 Education have created SuperMe - a system of games and videos designed to help you understand the control you have over your life, how you can positively shape your future success and happiness, in short, be better at life!
Eating Disorders
Get information, advice and support here.
Self-harm is often a way of coping with painful and difficult feelings and distress. Someone may harm themselves because they feel overwhelmed and don't know how else to deal with things. It's usually a very private issue and motivations and methods will differ from one person to another. Although you may feel it's difficult to talk about it, it's really important that you try to get help.
Thesite.org has a section where you can ask questions about self harming and also see what others have asked about. Connexions direct offers impartial advice, and you can ask to meet with a Youth Connexions Personal Adviser in private at a One Stop Shop
What support is available?
In general, there are 2 types of treatments: talking with a counsellor and medication. If your mental health problems need medication you would need to see your doctor to discuss this. Counselling can help you to work through the problems yourself, and you could try the following:
Counselling for young people
A counsellor listens to your concerns and helps you identify a way forward. Click here for local counselling services.
Brief therapy
A brief therapist talks through any issues and changes and suggests how these can be achieved.
If you are interested please speak to your Youth Connexions Personal Adviser in school or college, or go to a Youth Connexions One Stop Shop
Mentoring
A mentor is a reliable adult who can listen, encourage, support and offer advice
If you are interested in a mentor take a look at our mentors' diaries
Local links:
www.hertsdirect.org/comdirectory/comvol/heal2y/hltcsll3y/youthcounsel/
National links:
http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ Information for young people about mental health
www.mind.org.uk Lots of information about mental health
www.childline.org.uk An information support site for young people
www.rd4u.org.uk A bereavement support site for young people
www.papyrus-uk.org Information to promote mental health and emotional wellbeing