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
Anxiety
It is normal at times to feel fearful, scared or worried in some situations; it is part of our flight or fight make up. However if these feelings are getting in the way of everyday life you may need to talk to someone or see your doctor.
Anxiety and Covid-19
There is concern that anxiety amongst children and young people has heightened with the current pandemic of coronavirus. It is believed many are worried about returning to school having been isolated and not seeing school friends and also concerns about the virus itself.
This is not surprising; the coronavirus has had a big impact upon our lives and things have changed over this period for everyone. We need to carefully get back to our previous routines staying safe whilst doing so.
Visit our What's Happening Locally page to find out more information on local restrictions, guidance and information about Covid-19.
Exercises to help with anxiety
Create your safe place. Use your imagination and find a space inside your head that is calming, that sounds and smells good.
5,4,3,2,1 grounding exercise. Think of the following things and it helps you refocus and calm down: 5 things I can see, 4 things I can feel, 3 things I can hear, 2 things I can smell,1thing I can taste.
Download the Take a Break! poster here.
4-7-8 Breathing. Take a deep breath in for a count of 4. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Breathe out for a count of 8 seconds. Repeat this at least 3 times. Maybe when breathing in think of inhaling good and positive vibes. On exhaling get rid of the bad vibes in your life. Even just taking 3 big slow breaths helps regulate your breathing and helps you become calm.
Download the 4-7-8 Breathing poster here.
Activities to help with anxiety
Go for a walk. The combination of exercise and fresh air works wonders for feeling better. Enjoy the sounds, sights and smells of nature. Click here to visit the exercise page.
Do something you want to do – watch a movie; enjoy some pizza. Just chill!
Let yourself go! Put on some tunes – loud; and dance and sing.
Engross yourself in a good book or some colouring shutting out any problems or worries you may have. Click here to visit the colouring page.
Talk to people. Talk to friends and family if something is causing you heightened anxiety. Chat to a worker on WF-I-CAN. Click here to visit our Drop in and Chat.
Top tips for coping with anxiety from young people in Wakefield
Children and young people in the Wakefield District have compiled a list of ideas to help manage anxiety.
Download the 10 Top tips for coping with anxiety here.
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