Manage Your Feelings
It’s definitely NOT easy being young! Sometimes it’s tough to avoid feeling worried, and pressure can build up.
Some of the things we might be worried about are; friends and family, how we look, not having the things other people have, feeling different and our health.
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
Manage Your Feelings Resources for Under 13s
Youth Hub – Wakefield Families Together
The website hosts information from across the Wakefield Districts Youth Services.
School Nurses- Young Carers
Offer health assessments for Young Carers. Speak to your school nurse email bdh-tr.schoolnursing@nhs.net or you can call Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0300 373 0944.
SHOUT
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.
Change 4 Life
A programme to help your family be healthier and happier by eating well and moving more.
Night OWLS
Confidential support line for children, young people, and parents/ carers. Available 8pm–8am every day. Freephone 0800 1488 244 Text: 07984 392700
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.
Compass Wakefield
Helps children, young people and families facing low mood, friendship problems, bullying, online bullying or feeling angry, lonely or sad before things get worse. Text BUZZ to 85258 for text messaging support, call 01924 665 093 or send off a referral form