MANAGE YOUR FEELINGS
It’s definitely NOT easy being a teenager! Sometimes it’s tough to avoid feeling stressed, and pressure can build up in many areas of life (socially, in school/college, at home and when making big life decisions).
Some of the things we might be worried about are; friends and family, how we look, money problems, relationships, sexuality and health.
Managing feelings during the coronavirus outbreak
Things are very different at the moment, we are being told to stay at home and keep away from other people (as much as possible) to help protect ourselves and others. So it’s completely normal to feel sad, confused and worried about the impact on our own and families mental health.
Things to try to help our mental health and wellbeing
Factors that have a huge impact on how we feel
- Having a long-term physical illness
- Having a parent who has had mental health problems, problems with alcohol or has been in trouble with the law
- Experiencing the death of someone close to them (especially by suicide)
- Parents who have separated or divorced (loss)
- Been bullied or physically or sexually abused
- Living in severe poverty or being homeless
- Experience discrimination: due to race, sexuality or disability
- A young carer
- Having problems with school or exclusions
- Experience of living in care
Things that improve how we feel
- Accepting who we are and recognising our strengths
- Being in good health, having a balanced diet and getting regular exercise
- Being able to have fun, indoors and outdoors
- Being part of a family, that gets along (most of the time)
- Going to a school /college that cares about its students
- Taking part in local activities or groups
- Feeling loved, trusted, valued and safe
- Having opportunities to learn & succeed
- Having aspirations and goals for the future
- Feeling valued
Starting difficult conversations
If you can, be clear and ask for help straight out or tell someone how you are feeling, that always works best, but it isn't always easy. Here are a few ideas to help start the conversation...there’s no right or wrong way, give it a go!
- I don’t know how to deal with my feelings
- I want to tell you something but don’t know how to start
- I need some advice on something. Can you help me?
- How do I cope in the future?
- I’m really struggling at the moment, I need help
Looking for support?
Childline Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
Social Care Direct telephone number 0345 850 3503
Children and Adolescents Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and REACH Team Tel: 01977 735865
Shout is the UK's first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope.
Stripes youth group for all LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-19. Meeting every Tuesday evening from 6.30pm-9.00pm in a central Wakefield location. Telephone 01924 302665 or email youthwork@wakefield.gov.uk
Housing For Vulnerable adults is a Council service for people who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or in housing need.
Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service Tel: 0808 169 8711 from 09:00 - 17:00 on weekdays or email wakefieldservicereferral@cgl.org.uk
Care Leavers To find out about the local offer for Young People leaving care email or call 01924 306139
School Nurses offer health advice
Speak to your school nurse or call them Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 01924 310130