Short messages on Mental health, stress and anxiety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
You can use hindsight from previous worries to assess current worries: Did it actually happen? Was it as bad as you thought it would be? Did anything good come of worrying?
You must never give into despair, surrendering to your lowest instincts. In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. This is the meaning of inner strength.
E. Joseph Cossman said “If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today.” Doing this could help put your current worries into perspective.
Most days involve doing things we don’t really want to do, and also doing things we do want to do. If you get the bits you don’t want to do out of the way first, the rest of the day will be spent doing things you enjoy doing.
One of the keys to remaining ‘in control’ and happy while bringing up young children is finding other mothers in a similar situation. Parent and Toddler groups are a very important part of our community and very often the first place for mothers to meet other mothers with children the same age.
Don’t let difficulties discourage you. To be able to see every obstacle as an opportunity for growth, you need to be focused on the goal you are pursuing.
Picture a future you want. It can be next weekend or in ten years. Have a clear picture of what it is that you want – write it down or draw pictures. Make sure you have really clear images of the future you want and how you might obtain it.
There are lots of mental health organisations to help support young people: Young Minds, Mind, Harmless, CYPMHC, CAMHS, Rethink, TheSite.org, RecoverYourLife.com, and the NHS to name a few.
Most teenagers who self-harm are able to give up this behaviour as they learn to manage feelings in healthier ways. Your GP can refer you to a specialist to help, such as a counsellor or psychologist.
The person who is self-harming may feel deep shame and guilt, or may feel confused and worried by their own behaviour. It’s important to approach them with care and understanding. They may not wish to discuss their self-harm with you, but you could suggest that they speak to an anonymous helpline or see their GP.