Emotional health

iStock_000000142841XSmallstressed young woman.jpg  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

What is happiness?

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!  

Play SuperMe!

Eating Disorders

Get information, advice and support here.   

Self Harm

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?

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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 in Hertfordshire

A counsellor listens to your concerns and helps you identify a way forward.

Brief therapy

This is a service for young people aged 13-19 which has proved to be successful in helping to find solutions to issues and making change happen. A brief therapist talks through any issues and changes and suggests how these can be achieved. Find out what Brief Therapy is here.

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:


  • Brief Therapy Leaflet

     | Date created: Tue 04 Aug 2009 | File Size: 270 kb | File Time: 39 seconds @ 56 kbps

    Description: This tells you what brief therapy can offer you

  • Self harm 2011.pdf

     | Date created: Wed 21 Sep 2011 | File Size: 6657 kb | File Time: 969 seconds @ 56 kbps

    Description: Information and advice about self harm.

  • Feeling down? How positive thinking helps 2011.pdf

     | Date created: Wed 21 Sep 2011 | File Size: 6966 kb | File Time: 1014 seconds @ 56 kbps

    Description: Advice on what you can do if you're feeling down.